Judge Orders US Government to Restore Exhibit on George Washington's 9 Slaves

The exhibit on the enslaved individuals must be reinstated at Washington's former residence in Philadelphia after the Trump administration removed it.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A judge has ordered the U.S. government to restore an exhibit about nine enslaved individuals owned by George Washington at his former residence in Philadelphia. The exhibit was removed by the Trump administration, but the court ruled that it must be reinstated.

Why it matters

The exhibit sheds light on the history of slavery at Mount Vernon, Washington's estate, and the role of enslaved labor in the founding of the United States. Its removal by the Trump administration was seen by many as an attempt to whitewash history.

The details

The exhibit, titled "Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington's Mount Vernon," was installed at Washington's Philadelphia residence, known as the President's House, in 2010. It highlighted the stories of the nine enslaved individuals who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. In 2017, the Trump administration removed the exhibit, citing the need for renovations. A judge has now ordered the government to restore the exhibit, ruling that its removal was unlawful.

  • The exhibit was installed at the President's House in Philadelphia in 2010.
  • The Trump administration removed the exhibit in 2017, citing the need for renovations.
  • The judge ordered the government to restore the exhibit in February 2026.

The players

George Washington

The first President of the United States, who owned slaves at his Mount Vernon estate.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, whose administration removed the exhibit on Washington's slaves.

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What’s next

The government has 60 days to restore the exhibit to its original location at the President's House in Philadelphia.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over how to accurately and sensitively portray the history of slavery in the United States, especially at the sites of the nation's founding. The restoration of this exhibit is a step towards a more comprehensive understanding of the country's complex past.