On Wednesday, President Donald Trump once again stirred up controversy by installing a series of commemorative plaques on the White House's "Presidential Walk of Fame." This area traditionally features each U.S. president along with a brief description of their legacy.
According to journalist Juan Camilo Merlano, a newly added plaque for former President Joe Biden labels him as the worst president in U.S. history.
"Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst president in U.S. history," the plaque reads.
Furthermore, instead of a photograph of Biden, an image of an automated pen—known as an Autopen—was placed, suggesting Trump's belief that his predecessor signed documents without understanding them.
Under President Obama's plaque, Trump included his full name, "Barack Hussein Obama," describing him as "one of the most divisive political figures in U.S. history."
For Bill Clinton, who served from 1993 to 2001, the plaque acknowledges his "excellent" economic management "despite his scandals" and reminds visitors that his wife, Hillary Clinton, lost the 2016 election to Trump.
Images released by journalist Andrew Leyden show the updated inscriptions near the White House's Rose Garden, a space traditionally reserved to honor the institutional history of the nation's leaders.
"The White House has added text to the Walk of Fame by the Rose Garden," Leyden noted on his X account, along with photos of the renovated area.
This move is seen as a direct provocation toward Biden, whom Trump has consistently blamed for "ruining the economy," "weakening U.S. foreign policy," and "plunging the nation into an unprecedented security and migration crisis."
Since returning to the White House, Trump has been determined to revisit the historical narrative of past administrations and "restore national pride" after what he terms the "progressive decline" during Democratic governance.
The gallery is just one of many changes he has implemented in the White House to "make his mark."
Biden has not publicly commented on the new plaque or the decision to include derogatory remarks in the presidential walk, a tradition that has previously maintained a formal and neutral tone.
Critics of Trump describe his actions as "childish" and "disrespectful to the presidential office."
Understanding the White House "Walk of Fame" Controversy
What is the "Presidential Walk of Fame" at the White House?
The "Presidential Walk of Fame" at the White House is an area that traditionally honors each U.S. president with a plaque that includes a brief description of their legacy. It is located near the Rose Garden.
Why did Trump replace Biden's picture with an Autopen image?
Trump replaced Biden's picture with an Autopen image to suggest that he believes Biden signed documents without understanding them, mocking his predecessor's decision-making skills.
How have critics reacted to Trump's alterations to the plaques?
Critics have labeled Trump's changes as "childish" and "disrespectful to the presidential office," arguing that they undermine the tradition's formal and neutral tone.