President Donald Trump has introduced a new exhibit at the White House called the Presidential Walk of Fame, which he claims will honor past presidents and reshape the narrative of American history. Announced on January 3, 2026, this initiative has sparked considerable debate over its implications for historical representation and presidential legacies.
According to the Associated Press, the Walk of Fame serves as a reflection of Trump’s desire to imprint his own legacy on the White House. The exhibit features two displays highlighting his presidencies, filled with grandiose claims such as “the Greatest Economy in the History of the World.” Trump’s first-term plaque describes his 2016 Electoral College victory of 304-227 as a “landslide.” Notably, his second-term plaque cites his popular vote achievement, which he did not obtain in 2016, and concludes with the phrase, “THE BEST IS YET TO COME.”
The introductory plaque declares that the exhibit was “conceived, built, and dedicated by President Donald J. Trump as a tribute to past Presidents, good, bad, and somewhere in the middle.” This framing suggests that Trump envisions the Walk of Fame as a permanent fixture at the White House, intended to endure beyond his presidency.
Critics have pointed out the exhibit’s sharp criticisms of former presidents. Joe Biden is labeled “Sleepy Joe” and described as “by far, the worst President in American History,” accused of leading the nation to the brink of destruction. Trump also attributes blame for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to Biden, asserting that his election was fraudulent.
The plaques reflect Trump’s contentious views on other former leaders as well. Barack Obama is characterized as “one of the most divisive political figures in American History,” with his signature achievement, the Affordable Care Act, dismissed as “highly ineffective.” In contrast, Trump acknowledges George W. Bush for establishing the Department of Homeland Security and leading the nation post-9/11, while also criticizing his decisions to initiate wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Even Bill Clinton, once an ally, receives limited praise, with credit given for the tech boom of the 1990s, but overshadowed by scandals that plagued his presidency. Trump’s plaque ends with a pointed reminder that Hillary Clinton lost the presidency to him in 2016.
The exhibit does include some commendations for presidents like George H.W. Bush, who is recognized for his legislative achievements despite Trump’s administration rolling back enforcement of some of those laws. Lyndon Johnson is credited with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, while John F. Kennedy is acknowledged as a World War II hero who used inspiring rhetoric against communism.
In an intriguing twist, the plaques appear to serve as a platform for Trump to critique media coverage of his presidency. For instance, the plaque for Andrew Jackson claims he was “unjustifiably treated unfairly by the press,” suggesting a parallel with Trump and Abraham Lincoln.
The Walk of Fame represents a significant departure from traditional presidential tributes, which typically maintain a level of decorum towards predecessors. This initiative has drawn comparisons to Trump’s previous business ventures, wherein he prominently displayed his name on various properties and products.
A report by Reuters highlights the extent to which Trump has associated his name with numerous Washington landmarks and initiatives since taking office in January. Critics, including Austin Sarat, a professor of jurisprudence and political science at Amherst College, have raised concerns about the permanence of Trump’s name on these tributes, questioning if future administrations might remove them.
As the Presidential Walk of Fame opens to visitors, it remains to be seen how this bold initiative will shape public perception of presidential history and the White House itself.
