Trump's New Walkway: A Controversial Twist on Presidential History
President Donald Trump has recently added a series of contentious plaques to his newly created Presidential Walk of Fame. This walkway, located in the West Wing, features portraits of all former presidents, except for the current one, Joe Biden. The plaques, written in Trump's distinctive style, offer subjective and often partisan descriptions of each president.
Controversial Claims
- Joe Biden: One plaque falsely claims that Biden won the 2020 election through corruption, despite Biden's victory being confirmed by both the popular vote and the Electoral College.
- Barack Obama: Another plaque labels Obama, the nation's first Black president, as one of the most divisive political figures in American history.
- George W. Bush: The plaque under Bush's portrait criticizes his decisions to start wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, while acknowledging his creation of the Department of Homeland Security.
Introductory Plaque
The introductory plaque states that the walkway was "conceived, built, and dedicated by President Donald J. Trump as a tribute to past Presidents, good, bad, and somewhere in the middle." It also suggests that the walkway will remain as a testament to the greatness of America, even after Trump's presidency.
Criticism and Defense
The plaques have sparked criticism for their biased language and inaccurate claims. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the plaques, stating that they are "eloquently written descriptions of each president" and that many were written directly by Trump himself. However, the lack of response from Biden, Obama, and other former presidents suggests a lack of support for Trump's portrayal of their legacies.
Trump's Legacy
The Presidential Walk of Fame is just one example of Trump's efforts to shape the White House in his image. From adorning the Oval Office to planning a massive ballroom addition, Trump has left a significant mark on the historic building. The walkway, located between the White House residence and the president's usual entrance to the Oval Office, allows Trump to showcase his framing of his predecessors to any guests he chooses.
