The Trump administration has completed the installation of new exhibit panels at the President's House site in Philadelphia, the location where George Washington resided during the 1790s when the city served as the nation's capital. This move follows the 2025 executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which directed federal institutions to remove content deemed to "inappropriately disparage Americans past or living."
The updated exhibit, installed on Wednesday, maintains references to the individuals enslaved at the residence and includes information regarding the abolitionist movement. However, the changes have drawn sharp criticism from those who argue the new presentation offers a less critical account of Washington's views on slavery. Notable changes include the removal of a panel headlined "The Dirty Business of Slavery," which was replaced with "Celebrating Independence Throughout the Years." Furthermore, the new panels omit specific materials found in the original exhibit, such as a timeline tracing the history of slavery and a map detailing slave trade routes, while descriptions of Washington's personal treatment of enslaved people have been softened.
This installation follows a prolonged legal dispute. The original panels were removed in January, but some were reinstalled the following month after the city of Philadelphia successfully argued in federal district court that the government was required to consult with local officials before making changes. The exhibit remained in a state of partial restoration for several months throughout the summer, including during the city's Fourth of July celebrations. The Trump administration eventually won an appeal earlier this month, clearing the way for the installation of the new panels.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed strong opposition to the change, vowing to continue the fight against the administration's actions. In a post on X, Parker stated, "Overnight, under the cover of darkness, the federal government removed panels at the President's House that told a thorough history of Philadelphia." She further remarked that while the federal court permitted the action, carrying it out at night demonstrated an understanding that the move was "shameful" and a violation of community trust.
