The Trump administration has replaced panels at the President's House site in Philadelphia, where George Washington lived during the 1790s when the city was the US capital. The site, part of Independence National Historical Park, previously featured displays and videos about nine enslaved individuals who lived with and served Washington and his wife, Martha.

The replacement occurred under the 2025 executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which directed the removal of content from historical and cultural institutions that the administration said "inappropriately disparage Americans past or living."

The new exhibit, installed on Wednesday, continues to reference those enslaved at the house and includes information about the abolitionist movement. However, critics argue the updated panels present a less critical view of Washington's stance on slavery. Notably, a panel formerly titled "The Dirty Business of Slavery" was removed and replaced with one titled "Celebrating Independence Throughout the Years." Additionally, some materials such as a map of slave trade routes and a slavery timeline were omitted, and descriptions of Washington's treatment of enslaved people were softened.

This panel exchange marks the latest development in a dispute between the Trump administration and the city of Philadelphia. The original panels were removed in January after the site was selected for changes, but some were reinstalled the following month after Philadelphia successfully challenged the move in federal district court, arguing that the government must consult with the city before making such changes.

Critics condemned the overnight removal of the panels, with some stating it was done "under the cover of darkness" and describing the action as "shameful" and a violation of community trust.

Sources