In a move that has ignited controversy, former US President Donald Trump has installed a series of new plaques on the White House's 'Presidential Wall of Fame' that are far from traditional tributes. Written in his signature social media style—complete with insults, random capitalisations, and sharp jabs—the plaques offer a scathing review of his predecessors, particularly Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
What Do The Controversial Plaques Say?
The plaques, in gold and black, line the walkway outside the West Wing. An introductory plaque states it was "conceived, built, and dedicated" by Trump as a tribute to past presidents, described as "good, bad and somewhere in the middle." However, the individual descriptions tell a different story.
The plaque for current President Joe Biden features a photo of an autopen and launches a direct attack. It labels "Sleepy Joe Biden" as "by far, the worst President in American History," accusing him of taking office after "the most corrupt Election ever" and overseeing disasters that brought the nation "to the brink of destruction."
Barack Obama's plaque acknowledges him as the first Black President but quickly brands him "one of the most divisive political figures in American History." It dismisses his key achievements, referring to the Affordable Care Act as the "highly ineffective 'Unaffordable' Care Act" and criticising the Paris Climate Accords as "one-sided."
Even former President Bill Clinton's policy achievements are overshadowed by a note about his wife's 2016 defeat: "In 2016, President Clinton’s wife, Hillary, lost the Presidency to President Donald J. Trump!"
Trump's Self-Praise and Public Backlash
In stark contrast, Trump's own plaque is a testament to self-praise. It celebrates his 2024 victory, claiming he overcame the "unprecedented Weaponization of Law Enforcement against him, as well as two assassination attempts." It declares that he has delivered a promised "Golden Age of America."
The public reaction, especially on social media platforms like X, has been largely critical. Many Americans see the plaques as a sign of deep insecurity rather than a confident legacy project.
One user quipped, "Nothing says 'I am secure in my own legacy' like writing a diss track on a plaque under your predecessor." Another observed, "Needed two plaques for Barack apparently. That’s high praise... He normally just calls everyone Low-IQ and a loser."
Others expressed dismay at the state of political discourse. "I’ve literally seen more emotional intelligence and maturity from 6-year-olds," wrote one person. Another drew a pop culture parallel, mocking, "Trump pulled a mean girls burn book move, but he forgets how that ended for Regina George."
Official Justification and Lasting Impression
Defending the installation, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN that the plaques are "eloquently written descriptions" of each president's legacy. She added, "As a student of history, many were written directly by the President himself."
However, the overall perception suggests the attempt to mock predecessors has backfired. Instead of cementing a grand legacy, the plaques have highlighted a disrespectful tone. With a potential third term uncertain, this controversial renovation seems designed to force a lasting, if contentious, memory of Trump's time in office, ultimately painting a picture of a leader seemingly obsessed with undermining others to elevate himself.
