Key Takeaways:
- The White House has installed new plaques that criticize former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, while praising former President Donald Trump.
- The plaques accuse Biden of overseeing "unprecedented disasters" and Obama of being "one of the most divisive figures in American history."
- The plaques also boast about Trump’s accomplishments, including his tax cuts, economic growth, and immigration policies.
- The installation of the plaques has drawn mixed reactions from Republicans on Capitol Hill, with some expressing concern and others downplaying the issue.
- The White House has not responded to requests for comment on how the plaques were paid for and whether government funds were used.
Introduction to the Plaques
The White House has installed new plaques that provide a critical assessment of the presidencies of Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. The plaques, which are located in the White House, offer a scathing review of Biden’s and Obama’s time in office, while praising Trump’s leadership. The plaques have sparked controversy, with some lawmakers expressing concern over the tone and content of the displays.
Criticism of Biden and Obama
The plaque criticizing Biden’s presidency accuses him of overseeing "a series of unprecedented disasters that brought our Nation to the brink of destruction." It specifically mentions the inflation that developed during his presidency, denouncing the Inflation Reduction Act as the "Green New Scam," and blasting his administration’s immigration policies. The plaque also references the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which it describes as "one of the most humiliating events in American History." Additionally, it mentions Biden’s performance in the 2024 presidential debate, saying he was "forced to withdraw from his campaign for re-election in disgrace." The plaque criticizing Obama’s presidency is equally harsh, calling him "one of the most divisive figures in American history." It accuses him of presiding over a "stagnant Economy" and approving the "terrible Iran Nuclear Deal" and the "one-sided Paris Climate Accords."
Praise for Trump
In contrast, the plaques praising Trump’s presidency describe his leadership in glowing terms. The plaque detailing his first four years in office boasts about his tax cuts, economic growth, and elimination of federal regulations. It also mentions his termination of the Iran Nuclear Deal and the Paris Climate Accords, as well as his efforts to rebuild the US military. The plaque also praises Trump’s second term, including his sweeping tariffs, hard-line immigration policies, and his efforts to remove "Critical Race Theory and transgender insanity from public schools." The plaque also mentions the construction of the "Golden Dome missile defense shield" and the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America."
Reactions to the Plaques
The installation of the plaques has drawn mixed reactions from Republicans on Capitol Hill. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed concern over the tone and content of the plaques, saying that they were "inappropriate" and that Trump should not try to "redefine the contributions or lack of contributions" of former presidents. On the other hand, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina downplayed the issue, saying that it was not a concern and that Republicans should focus on "fixing people’s problems" rather than getting distracted by the plaques.
Implications and Controversy
The installation of the plaques has raised questions about the use of government funds and resources to promote a partisan agenda. The White House has not responded to requests for comment on how the plaques were paid for and whether government employees were involved in their installation. The controversy surrounding the plaques has also sparked a wider debate about the role of the presidency and the importance of respecting the office and its occupants, regardless of party affiliation. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the plaques are likely to remain a point of contention and a symbol of the deep divisions in American politics.
