Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore Slavery Exhibit in Philadelphia Park

The judge cited George Orwell's '1984' in her ruling, calling the removal of the exhibits 'arbitrary and capricious'.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore an exhibit about slavery that was removed last month from The President's House in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. The exhibit, which included panels and video displays about slavery, was removed on January 23 by National Park Service workers. In her ruling, the judge cited George Orwell's '1984' and said the removal was unlawful and caused 'irreparable harm' by erasing historical truth.

Why it matters

The President's House in Philadelphia is the site of the first presidential residence used by George Washington, who enslaved nine people at the time. The exhibit was installed in 2010 as a memorial to those enslaved individuals. The removal of the exhibits sparked outrage and concerns about the Trump administration's efforts to 'rewrite and whitewash' American history.

The details

On January 23, National Park Service workers were seen removing 34 panels and video displays about slavery, including some titled 'Life Under Slavery' and 'The Dirty Business of Slavery'. In her ruling, the judge said the removal was 'arbitrary and capricious' and caused 'irreparable harm' by erasing historical truth. She ordered that all panels and video exhibits be reinstalled and further alterations must come with 'a mutual written agreement' with the City of Philadelphia.

  • On January 23, National Park Service workers removed the slavery exhibits from The President's House in Philadelphia.
  • On February 16, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction ordering the Trump administration to restore the slavery exhibits.

The players

Cynthia M. Rufe

A U.S. District Judge who granted the preliminary injunction ordering the Trump administration to restore the slavery exhibits.

George Orwell

The author of the dystopian novel '1984', which the judge referenced in her ruling.

George Washington

The first U.S. president, who enslaved nine people at the time he resided in the President's House in Philadelphia.

Josh Shapiro

The Governor of Pennsylvania, who spoke out against the removal of the slavery exhibits on social media.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president, whose administration ordered the removal of the slavery exhibits and has been accused of efforts to 'rewrite and whitewash' American history.

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What they’re saying

“As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell's 1984 now existed, with its motto 'Ignorance is Strength,' this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims—to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts. It does not.”

— Cynthia M. Rufe, U.S. District Judge

“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.”

— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania (X)

What’s next

The judge's order requires the Trump administration to reinstall all of the removed panels and video exhibits at The President's House in Philadelphia. Any further alterations to the site must be made through a mutual written agreement with the City of Philadelphia.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle over how to accurately portray America's history, particularly when it comes to the legacy of slavery. The judge's strong rebuke of the Trump administration's actions underscores the importance of preserving historical truth, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.