Judge calls Justice Department's statements on slavery exhibit 'dangerous' and 'horrifying'

Ruling expected soon on removing historical display at Philadelphia's President's House Site

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:47pm

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A federal judge in Philadelphia harshly criticized the Justice Department's stance that the government can decide what parts of American history to display at National Park Service sites. The judge warned the DOJ lawyers that their statements were 'dangerous' and 'horrifying' as the city fights to restore a slavery exhibit that was abruptly removed from the President's House Site earlier this month.

Why it matters

The removal of the slavery exhibit, which had been in place for two decades, has sparked outrage in the community and raised concerns about the government's ability to selectively interpret and present American history based on political whims.

The details

The exhibit, which was a joint project between the city and the National Park Service, featured biographical details about the nine enslaved people who lived at the President's House site during George and Martha Washington's time. The materials, including outdoor plaques and panels, were recently removed using crowbars, leading the judge to express concerns about potential damage. The Justice Department argued that the government has the right to choose how to interpret history, but the judge strongly disagreed, stating 'It changes on the whims of someone in charge? I'm sorry, that is not what we elected anybody for.'

  • The exhibit materials were removed earlier this month.
  • The hearing took place on January 30, 2026.

The players

Cynthia Rufe

A Senior U.S. District Judge appointed by President George W. Bush, who presided over the hearing and strongly criticized the Justice Department's stance.

Gregory in den Berken

An Assistant U.S. Attorney who argued on behalf of the Justice Department that the government has the right to choose how to interpret history.

Michael Coard

An attorney representing one of the advocacy groups supporting the slavery exhibit, who said the president's actions were 'absolutely frightening' and warned about the 'state of America'.

George and Martha Washington

The former U.S. presidents who had enslaved people living at the President's House site during their time.

Austin, Paris, Hercules, Christopher Sheels, Richmond, Giles, Oney Judge, Moll and Joe

The nine enslaved people whose biographical details were featured in the removed exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“You can't erase history once you've learned it. It doesn't work that way.”

— Cynthia Rufe, Senior U.S. District Judge

“That is a dangerous statement you are making. It is horrifying to listen to. It changes on the whims of someone in charge? I'm sorry, that is not what we elected anybody for.”

— Cynthia Rufe, Senior U.S. District Judge

“It's one thing to whisper that type of dictatorial power. But to send lawyers into a public courtroom to make that argument is absolutely frightening. I'm really worried about the state of America.”

— Michael Coard, Attorney

What’s next

Judge Rufe plans to visit the storage area where the exhibit materials were placed, as well as the President's House Site, before ruling on the city's request to have the exhibit restored.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over how to accurately and responsibly present America's complex history, especially when it comes to the legacy of slavery. The judge's strong rebuke of the government's stance underscores the importance of preserving historical narratives, even when they may be politically inconvenient.