Yet again, the Trump administration has removed a public display addressing the history of slavery and racism in the United States. This time, an exhibit discussing former President George Washington’s connection to slavery has been dismantled in the city that once served as the nation’s capital, drawing widespread condemnation.
Trump administration removes Philadelphia exhibit on George Washington and slavery
Employees from the National Park Service were observed on Thursday dismantling an outdoor exhibit on slavery at Philadelphia’s President’s House Site. The site, within Independence National Historical Park, marks the location where President George Washington resided while Philadelphia served as the capital city for the newly independent United States of America. The outdoor exhibit that was taken apart discussed the history of slavery in the United States and Washington’s own participation in legally owning enslaved people. Footage of the exhibition being dismantled was shared widely on social media.
When asked by Reuters about the removal, the Department of the Interior confirmed that it was done to conform to President Donald Trump’s orders. “The President has directed federal agencies to review interpretive materials to ensure accuracy, honesty, and alignment with shared national values,” the department said in a statement to Reuters. “Following completion of the required review, the National Park Service is now taking action to remove or revise interpretive materials in accordance with the Order.” Since returning to office, Trump’s campaign against “divisive” material has led to the removal of information and exhibits relating to slavery, racism and simply the accomplishments and existence of Black people from museums and parks across the United States; even displays located outside of the United States have been removed due to the president’s orders.
Criticism against Trump ‘trying to erase our history’
The removal of the slavery exhibition drew condemnation from a number of sources. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted, “Donald Trump will take any opportunity to rewrite and whitewash our history. But he picked the wrong city — and he sure as hell picked the wrong Commonwealth.” Shapiro added, “We learn from our history in Pennsylvania, even when it’s painful.”
The social media account for California Gov. Gavin Newsom similarly criticized the president, stating, “Trump is literally erasing our nation’s history.”
Sen. Raphael Warnock commented on the brazenness of the administration, writing, “They’re trying to erase our history and they’re not even pretending otherwise.”
Famed attorney Ben Crump posted, “This is absolutely outrageous! Last year, Trump ordered National Park staff to flag displays that ‘disparage’ America’s past. Now, crews removed plaques honoring 9 enslaved people once held by George Washington at Philadelphia’s President’s House.” Crump noted the harmful impact of such removals. “Erasing history dishonors the enslaved and misleads future generations!”
Others questioned the timing of the removal. Allison Wiltz posted, “Removing exhibits about slavery a week and a half before Black History Month is intentional.”
Given the track record of the Trump administration, the dismantling of the display in Philadelphia likely will not be the last time an exhibit relating to the history of Black people or slavery in the United States will be removed. As we approach Black History Month, the efforts to whitewash American history are especially disturbing.