In a move blending personal grievance with official decor, former President Donald Trump has expanded his controversial "Presidential Walk of Fame" in the White House with a series of new, disparaging plaques. The installation, which lines the West Wing colonnade outside the Oval Office, now features petty insults directed at recent Democratic presidents, most notably Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
A Gallery of Grievances
The walkway, installed earlier this year, displays gold-framed portraits of most of Trump's predecessors. However, the display pointedly excludes a portrait of President Joe Biden. In its place is an image of an "autopen" device signing Biden's name, a visual jab referencing one of Trump's frequent criticisms. The new plaques beneath the portraits escalate the partisan tone.
Biden's plaque derisively labels him "Sleepy Joe" and calls him "by far, the worst" president. The inscription under Barack Obama's portrait describes him as "one of the most divisive political figures" in American history. Even former President Bill Clinton is not spared; his plaque notes that his wife, Hillary Clinton, lost to Trump in the 2016 election.
Public and Online Reaction
The addition of the plaques has drawn swift criticism, particularly on social media platforms like Bluesky. Users mocked the display's pettiness and questioned the use of public resources. One user quipped, "Will need a good dentist to remove all this plaque," while another bluntly stated, "And we’re paying for this shit!"
Other comments highlighted the perceived lack of presidential decorum and competence. One observer criticized the "ragged text" and "wildly uneven margins," suggesting the White House was "utterly incompetent at basic technical tasks." Another user speculated that plaques for 19th-century presidents might simply read, "Never heard of him. Not very impressive."
The Core Critique
The online reaction underscores a broader critique of Trump's actions. Commenters suggested the plaques reveal a focus on personal vendettas over state matters, with one noting Trump is "hard at work on the issues that matter most to the American people like writing plaques with his personal grievances." Another pointedly remarked, "He honestly thinks it’s his house," questioning the appropriateness of permanently installing such partisan material in a federal building.
Despite the controversy, the "Presidential Walk of Fame" remains a fixture in the West Wing, serving as a highly unconventional and politically charged addition to the symbolic heart of American executive power.
