In a notable departure from tradition, former President Donald Trump has installed bronze plaques along a White House walkway to honor each U.S. president. This unconventional tribute diverges not only in style but also in content, as the plaques reflect a narrative reminiscent of Trump’s posts on Truth Social, incorporating misleading or inaccurate accounts of recent Democratic presidents.
Among the plaques, the one dedicated to President Joe Biden, whom Trump has pejoratively labeled “Sleepy Joe,” is particularly striking. Instead of a traditional portrait, Biden’s plaque features a photograph of an autopen, a detail Trump has claimed discredits Biden’s pardons—an assertion that lacks factual basis.
On Biden’s plaque, it is stated that he assumed office “as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States.” This statement is demonstrably false, as extensive litigation by Trump and his affiliates following the 2020 election yielded over 60 losses in court, failing to substantiate claims of fraud or voting irregularities. A coalition of Republicans, including former federal judges, subsequently reviewed Trump’s fraud allegations and concluded that there was no compelling evidence to challenge the legitimacy of the election.
This bold move by Trump seems to be another chapter in the ongoing narrative of political tension and division in the U.S. While it may be seen as an attempt to convey a personal viewpoint, it raises questions about historical accuracy and the importance of truthful representations in presidential legacies. As the political landscape continues to evolve, this incident serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of rhetoric on public perception and historical record.