In a notable departure from tradition, former President Donald Trump installed bronze plaques along a walkway at the White House commemorating each U.S. president. These plaques, however, feature descriptions written in a manner reminiscent of Trump’s social media comments, often containing misleading or false statements about Democratic leaders.
Content of the Presidential Plaques
The plaques present a skewed narrative about recent presidents. For instance, Joe Biden’s plaque refers to him as having assumed office “as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States.” This claim has been widely debunked, as Trump and his supporters filed over 60 lawsuits contesting the 2020 election, all of which were unsuccessful.
Misleading Claims about Biden
- The plaque includes a photograph of an autopen rather than a traditional portrait, referencing Trump’s assertion that Biden’s use of autopen for signing is invalid.
- It states that Biden presided over the “highest Inflation ever recorded,” which is inaccurate, as the highest inflation rates occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Obama’s Plaque Overview
The plaque dedicated to Barack Obama labels him as “one of the most divisive political figures in American history.” This characterization stands in contrast to a 2025 Gallup poll showing he had a favorability rating higher than any of the past five presidents, recorded at 59%.
Inflation and Healthcare Misstatements
- It inaccurately claims Obama’s Affordable Care Act was “highly ineffective.” In reality, the percentage of uninsured Americans decreased from 14.8% in 2012 to 8.6% in 2016.
- The plaque also claims Obama “spied on the 2016 Presidential Campaign of Donald J. Trump,” yet multiple independent investigations have found no evidence of political influence on the FBI’s investigations into Russian election interference.
These plaques at the White House ‘Walk of Fame’ serve not only as a tribute but also as a point of contention, reflecting the ongoing political narrative surrounding these figures. As the public engages in this discourse, it highlights the importance of accurate historical representation in political symbols.
