The Trump administration has implemented its plans to replace panels at Philadelphia’s President’s House site, where George Washington lived during the 1790s when the city served as the US capital.
The President’s House, which is part of the Independence National Historical Park, currently offers 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 slavery’s history
The administration sought to revise the exhibit under the 2025 executive order “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” The order aimed to remove content from historical and cultural institutions that the administration said “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.”
The new version of the exhibit, which was installed on Wednesday, retains references to those enslaved at the house, 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, a panel headline titled “The Dirty Business of Slavery” has been removed and replaced with “Celebrating Independence Throughout the Years.”
The new panels also omit some material featured in the previous exhibit, including a map of slave trade routes and a timeline tracing the history of slavery, while descriptions of Washington’s views on and treatment of enslaved people were softened.
Legal battle between federal and city governments
The exchange of panels, which occurred before the site opened on Wednesday, marked the latest chapter in a dispute between the Trump administration and the city of Philadelphia.
After the President’s House site was selected for changes, the original panels were removed in January. Some were reinstalled the following month after Philadelphia successfully challenged the move in federal district court, arguing that the government was required to consult with the city before making changes.
The exhibit remained only partially restored for months as the legal case proceeded, even during Philadelphia’s Fourth of July celebrations.
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Philadelphia mayor condemns removal
But earlier this month, the Trump administration won its appeal, prompting the installation on Wednesday.
Cherelle Parker, mayor of Philadelphia, vowed to “continue the fight” in a post on X.
“Overnight, under the cover of darkness, the federal government removed panels at the President’s House that told a thorough history of Philadelphia,” she said.
“It was allowed to do this by the decision of the federal court, but that it did so at night shows it understands this action is shameful, that it violates community trust.”
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Edited by: Sean Sinico
