The Trump administration has implemented its plan to replace panels at the site of Philadelphia’s Presidential Palace, where George Washington lived during the 1790s, when the city served as the US capital.
The Presidential Palace, which is part of the Independence National Historical Park, currently features panel displays and videos focused on the lives of nine enslaved people who lived with and served Washington and his wife Martha.
Critics say panels soften the history of slavery
The administration sought to modify the exhibit under the 2025 Executive Order “Restoring Truth and Sanity in American History.” The purpose of the order is to remove material from historical and cultural institutions that the administration said “inappropriately disrespects the past or lives of Americans.”
The new version of the exhibit, which was installed Wednesday, houses references to enslaved people as well as information about the abolitionist movement.
However, critics argue that the exhibit now presents a less critical account of Washington’s views on slavery.
Thus, the panel title “The Dirty Business of Slavery” has been removed and replaced with “Celebrating Freedom All Year Long.”
The new panels also remove some of the material featured in the previous exhibit, including a map of slave trade routes and a timeline tracing the history of slavery, while descriptions of the treatment of enslaved people and Washington’s views toward them have been softened.
Legal battle between federal and city governments
The exchange of panels, which took place before the site opened Wednesday, marks the latest chapter in the dispute between the Trump administration and the city of Philadelphia.
After the Rashtrapati Bhavan site was selected for the makeover, the original panels were removed in January. Some were reinstated the following month after Philadelphia successfully challenged the move in federal district court, arguing that the government needed to consult with the city before making the changes.
The display remained only partially restored for months as the legal case progressed, even during Philadelphia’s Fourth of July celebrations.
Philadelphia mayor condemns evictions
But earlier this month, the Trump administration won its appeal, leading to Wednesday’s installation.
Philadelphia Mayor Cheryl Parker vowed to “keep fighting” in a post on Twitter.
“Overnight, under the cover of darkness, the federal government removed panels from the President’s House that told the entire history of Philadelphia,” he said.
“He was allowed to do this by a federal court decision, but that he did it at night shows that he understands that this action is shameful, that it is a violation of community trust.”
Don’t let algorithms hide news. If you trust our team for reliable reporting, please take a moment to select us as your preferred source on Google click here And press the “Star” or “Favorite” button, so you always see our verified news first.
Edited by: Shawn Sinico