In a fresh controversy, US President Donald Trump has placed new plaques beneath portraits of past presidents at the White House. The plaques carry sharp criticism and unverified claims against some of his predecessors. Joe Biden and Barack Obama are among those targeted.
The move marks another unusual change under the Trump administration.
“Presidential Walk of Fame” Introduced
The plaques appear in a gallery Trump has named the “Presidential Walk of Fame.” This portrait corridor runs along the West Wing Colonnade.
According to ABC, the White House confirmed that Trump personally wrote the text on the plaques.
Officials now refer to the display as a “Wall of Fame.” It shows portraits of nearly all US presidents in historical order. However, one major exception stands out. Joe Biden’s portrait is missing from the gallery.
Opinionated Language Replaces Historical Neutrality
The plaques do not offer neutral or factual summaries. Instead, they use strong and personal language. Many read like posts from Trump’s social media platform, TruthSocial.
Barack Obama’s plaque calls him “one of the most divisive political figures.” In contrast, Ronald Reagan receives praise, with Trump noting that Reagan “was a fan.”
Biden’s Plaque Draws the Sharpest Attack
Joe Biden’s plaque uses the harshest wording. It states, “Sleepy Joe was, by far, the worst President in American History."
It goes further by claiming, “Taking office as a result of the most corrupt election ever seen in the United States."
These statements have no official backing or evidence.
Obama and Clinton Also Targeted
Trump’s plaque on Barack Obama criticises his healthcare policy. It reads, “As President, he passed the highly ineffective ‘Unaffordable’ Care Act, resulting in his party losing control of both Houses of Congress, and the Election of the largest House Republican majority since 1946."
The plaque on Bill Clinton downplays his achievements. It credits “Republicans in Congress" for major legislative successes during his presidency. Trump’s long-standing rivalry with the Clinton family is also referenced.
The display even mentions the 2016 election. That was the race in which Hillary Clinton lost the presidency to Donald Trump.
Reagan Praised as Trump Highlights Personal Admiration
Several former presidents receive favourable treatment. Ronald Reagan’s plaque is especially complimentary. It states, “Known as ‘The Great Communicator,’ he was re-elected in a landslide in 1984, and left office with high approval… He was a fan of President Donald J. Trump long before President Trump’s Historic run for the White House. Likewise, President Trump was a fan of his!"
Controversy Follows Recent Social Media Backlash
Trump’s mocking tone toward former leaders is not new. However, this episode follows strong criticism of his recent social media remarks.
Trump faced backlash after commenting on the murder of actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. On social media, Trump claimed Reiner died “due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".