President Donald Trump found himself at the center of online mockery this week after a verbal error during a tour of White House renovations. The incident occurred during an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Tuesday, November 12, 2025.
The Presidential Walk of Fame Controversy
While showcasing newly installed features, Trump pointed to a sign marking what he called a Presidential Walk of Fame on the West Colonnade. The president attempted to highlight the quality of the installation, stating, So that's half-inch thick bronze, carved by a very talented person. He immediately contradicted himself by adding, And it's brass, it's pure brass, it's half-inch thick brass.
This created a factual problem, as bronze and brass are distinct alloys with different compositions and appearances. Bronze typically has a reddish-brown hue and consists primarily of copper and tin, while brass appears golden yellow and is mainly copper and zinc. Additionally, the term pure brass is technically inaccurate since brass is by definition an alloy mixture.
Social Media Erupts in Criticism
The internet quickly responded to what many called an embarrassing blunder. Users across social media platforms expressed both amusement and outrage at the president's mistake and the overall design choice.
Key reactions included:
- Harley described the design as Tacky AF
- Greg Jericho commented on the national embarrassment
- Randi Mayem Singer criticized the focus on fame over service
- Tiffany Clay pointed out the scientific inaccuracy of pure brass
Several users made cultural references to emphasize their points, comparing the situation to a Far Side comic and invoking Marie Antoinette's famous let them eat cake with the phrase let them eat brass.
Broader Implications and Responses
The controversy extended beyond the material confusion to address broader concerns about spending priorities and aesthetic choices. Kenny Mellman connected the expense to social issues, noting this abomination is what we are paying for instead of feeding hungry people.
Andrew Weinstein offered a critical assessment of the design direction, suggesting Trump was turning the White House into Dollar Tree Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, Jonah Blank expressed hope that a future president would remove the installation entirely.
HuffPost has reached out to the White House for clarification about the sign's actual composition but has not received a response at the time of publication. The incident continues to generate discussion about presidential priorities and attention to detail during a period of significant government activity.
