Redefining the Colonnade: The “Presidential Walk of Fame” and the Battle Over History
Introduction: A Corridor of Controversy
In the heart of the West Wing, where history is traditionally whispered through silent portraits and muted decor, a new and vocal element has been introduced.2 Under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the White House colonnade—the historic walkway connecting the West Wing to the Executive Residence—has been rebranded as the “Presidential Walk of Fame.”3
While past administrations have treated the portraits of former commanders-in-chief with a standardized, neutral reverence, the current installation marks a radical departure.4 Beneath the gilded frames of America’s 45 predecessors now sit bronze plaques, many reportedly penned or dictated by the President himself.5 This project has sparked a fierce national debate, not merely over interior design, but over the very nature of historical narrative and the ethics of the “Bully Pulpit.”6
Chapter 1: The Portraits and the Plaques
The “Presidential Walk of Fame” is framed as a tribute to the “good, the bad, and somewhere in the middle.” However, the language used on the plaques is far from the clinical prose typically found in museum archives. Instead, the descriptions mirror the combative and personalized style familiar to followers of the President’s social media presence.
The Treatment of Recent Predecessors
The most striking aspect of the exhibit is the sharp contrast in how different eras of leadership are characterized. While historical figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln receive traditional praise, more recent occupants of the Oval Office are subjected to contemporary political critiques.7
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Barack Obama: Labeled as “one of the most divisive political figures in American History,” the 44th President’s plaque focuses heavily on the “Unaffordable Care Act” and allegations regarding the 2016 campaign.8
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Joe Biden: In a move that drew immediate international headlines, the portrait for the 46th President was replaced with a photograph of an autopen—a reference to Republican criticisms regarding Biden’s use of the device.9 His plaque introduces him as “Sleepy Joe” and asserts that he was “by far, the worst President in American History.”10
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George W. Bush: Even fellow Republicans were not spared; Bush’s plaque explicitly criticizes the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as conflicts that “should not have happened.”11
Chapter 2: A Comparison of Historical Legacy
To understand the significance of these plaques, one must look at how President Trump chose to highlight his own record in contrast to his predecessors.
| President | Tone of Plaque | Primary Focus |
| Ronald Reagan | Highly Favorable | “The Great Communicator”; noted as a “fan” of a young Donald Trump. |
| Richard Nixon | Empathetic | Focuses on his “major political comeback” rather than the Watergate scandal. |
| Donald Trump | Superlative | Claims “The Greatest Economy in History” and notes survival of “weaponization” of law enforcement. |
| Bill Clinton | Critical/Minimizing | Credits Congressional Republicans for economic success; mentions the 2016 loss of Hillary Clinton. |
Chapter 3: The Psychology of Presidential Branding
The “Presidential Walk of Fame” is a live exercise in historical revisionism and branding.12 By placing his own interpretations of history in the most prestigious building in the country, the President is attempting to bypass traditional historians and speak directly to the public.
The “Bully Pulpit” Reimagined
Traditionally, the “Bully Pulpit” referred to a president’s ability to advocate for policy. In 2026, it is being used to advocate for a specific version of the past.13 Critics argue that this turns the White House into a campaign asset, while supporters see it as a long-overdue “correction” of a narrative they believe has been dominated by liberal academics.
The Role of the Autopen
The decision to use an image of an autopen for Joe Biden is a piece of political theater. In semiotics, the replacement of a face with a machine is a powerful tool of dehumanization. It suggests that the presidency was “automated” or controlled by “handlers,” a recurring theme in the President’s critiques of the 46th administration.
Chapter 4: The National Backlash and Defense
The unveiling of the plaques was met with an immediate firestorm of reaction from across the political spectrum.
The Critics’ View
Prominent figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and retired General Barry McCaffrey, have condemned the move as “juvenile” and “vandalism of history.”14
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Institutional Integrity: Historians argue that the White House belongs to the American people, not the current occupant, and that its exhibits should reflect consensus rather than partisan grievance.
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The Precedent: There is a deep concern that this sets a “tit-for-tat” precedent, where every future president will feel compelled to rewrite the plaques of their predecessors.
The White House Defense
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the installation as an “eloquent description” of legacies.15 The administration argues that the President, as a “student of history,” has the right to provide context that he believes other institutions have ignored.16 They frame it as a “restoration of truth” rather than a distortion of it.
Conclusion: The Living History of the Colonnade
The “Presidential Walk of Fame” is more than just a collection of bronze and gold; it is a monument to the current era of American polarization.17 It highlights a nation where even the past is no longer a neutral ground.
As visitors walk past these portraits, they are not just looking at the leaders of the past; they are witnessing a live struggle for the soul of the American story. Whether these plaques remain as a permanent fixture or are removed by a future administration, they have already succeeded in their primary goal: ensuring that the conversation about presidential legacy is louder, more combative, and more personal than ever before.