In a move that has ignited fresh political controversy, former US President Donald Trump has unveiled a series of personalised plaques beneath the portraits of past commanders-in-chief on his so-called "Presidential Walk of Fame" within the White House. The plaques, which include sharp and often derogatory descriptions, were first seen by the public on Wednesday, December 17.
Controversial Descriptions of Predecessors
The new installations feature eloquently written descriptions of each President and the legacy they left behind, according to a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. She noted that many were penned directly by Trump himself, who considers himself a student of history. An introductory plaque explains the exhibit was conceived, built, and dedicated by Trump as a tribute to presidents, "good, bad, and somewhere in the middle."
The most scathing critiques are reserved for his immediate predecessors. Joe Biden, who defeated Trump in 2020, is labelled "Sleepy Joe" and described as "by far, the worst President in American History." His plaque alleges he took office "as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States," referencing Trump's baseless claims about the 2020 vote.
It further accuses Biden of bringing the nation "to the brink of destruction," citing inflation, the withdrawal from Afghanistan—which it calls a "disaster"—and blaming his "devastating weakness" for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. The plaque also mentions Biden's poor performance in the June 2024 presidential debate and his subsequent withdrawal from the re-election race.
Obama, Reagan, and Trump's Self-Praise
Barack Obama is referred to by his full name, "Barack Hussein Obama," a formulation often used pejoratively by his critics. His plaque brands him "one of the most divisive figures in American history" and criticises policies like the Affordable Care Act, termed the "'Unaffordable' Care Act," the Iran nuclear deal, and the Paris Climate Accords. It also repeats the debunked claim that Obama "spied" on Trump's 2016 campaign and presided over the "Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax."
In stark contrast, the plaques for Donald Trump's two terms are filled with self-praise. They claim credit for "the Greatest Economy in the History of the World," label his 2016 Electoral College win a "landslide," and celebrate his popular vote victory in his second term. One plaque concludes optimistically with "THE BEST IS YET TO COME."
Interestingly, Ronald Reagan is described as a fan of a young Trump, while Biden remains the only president not honoured with a gilded portrait; Trump instead placed an autopen, a move intended to mock Biden's age.
Reactions and Broader Context
The unveiling prompted swift reactions from political figures. Former Vice-President Kamala Harris, speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live on December 17, expressed dismay, stating, "The American people deserve better" than such plaques from a sitting president.
This installation is part of a broader series of changes Trump has made to the White House, which includes adorning the Oval Office in gold, razing the East Wing for a new ballroom, and pushing for a review of Smithsonian exhibits. His administration is also heavily involved in planning for the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.
The "Presidential Walk of Fame" plaques stand as a highly unconventional and partisan reinterpretation of presidential history, directly from the desk of the 45th president, ensuring his contentious narrative is embedded within the walls of the executive mansion.
