New plaques with written descriptions appear alongside presidential portraits on the White House colonnade during Wednesday’s unveiling of the Presidential Walk of Fame. Getty Images
New plaques now line a walkway outside the West Wing. The display carries the name “Presidential Walk of Fame.” President Donald Trump ordered the installation. The plaques describe past presidents in striking language.
A large plaque opens the exhibit. It says Trump “conceived, built, and dedicated” the display. It calls the project a tribute to presidents “good, bad and somewhere in the middle.” The text says they served the country and sacrificed much.
Trump Plaque Praises Current Term
Trump’s own plaque highlights his 2024 election victory. It says he overcame the “unprecedented Weaponization of Law Enforcement.” It also mentions “two assassination attempts.” The plaque credits Trump with starting a “Golden Age of America.”
It lists claims of ended wars and secured borders. It also mentions deportations of alleged gang members. Trump has served for eleven months so far.
Biden Plaque Uses Harsh Language
The plaque for former President Joe Biden stands out sharply. It uses language familiar from Trump’s speeches. A photo of an autopen replaces a traditional portrait.
“Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst President in American History,” the plaque reads. It claims Biden took office through “the most corrupt Election ever seen.” It accuses him of disasters that nearly destroyed the nation.
The plaque ends with praise for Trump’s return. “But despite it all, President Trump would get Re-Elected in a Landslide, and SAVE AMERICA!”
Other Presidents Face Criticism
Former President Barack Obama also receives criticism. The plaque calls him “one of the most divisive political figures.” It labels his health care law “highly ineffective.” It criticizes his support for climate agreements.
Bill Clinton’s plaque notes policy achievements. It also highlights Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss. “In 2016, President Clinton’s wife, Hillary, lost the Presidency to President Donald J. Trump!”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the project. “The plaques are eloquently written descriptions of each President and the legacy they left behind. As a student of history, many were written directly by the President himself.”
Criticism Crosses Party Lines
The plaques do not spare Republicans. George W. Bush’s plaque criticizes wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “President Bush created the Department of Homeland Security, but started wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, both of which should not have happened.”
The plaque also mentions his AIDS relief program. It does not note recent funding changes.
Earlier Leaders Receive Softer Treatment
Some earlier presidents receive more balanced descriptions. John F. Kennedy’s plaque highlights diplomacy. It mentions the Bay of Pigs failure. It also praises his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
“Kennedy’s Presidency ended tragically with his assassination in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963.”
Jimmy Carter’s plaque notes economic struggles during his term. It also praises his later humanitarian work. “Many feel that President Carter was more successful after his presidency than during it. He did wonderful things for Humanity!”
Strong Reactions Expected
The plaques reflect Trump’s personal style. Many echo his online posts. Random capitalization and sharp attacks appear throughout. The display already draws attention from visitors and staff.
The exhibit adds a bold and controversial tone to White House grounds.
