Judge Orders Restoration of Philadelphia Slavery Exhibit

Cites George Orwell's '1984' in ruling against Trump administration's removal of displays

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge has ordered the National Park Service to restore exhibits about slaves who lived at the nation's one-time executive mansion in Philadelphia. U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe agreed with the city that the Trump administration likely unlawfully removed the displays, invoking the dystopian novel '1984' as she blocked any further changes or damage to the site, which is now an outdoor exhibition.

Why it matters

The ruling is a victory for advocates who have pushed to highlight the history of slavery at the President's House site in Philadelphia, which served as the executive mansion before the White House was built. It also represents a rebuke of the Trump administration's efforts to downplay or remove exhibits related to the nation's history of slavery and racial injustice.

The details

Judge Rufe's order requires the National Park Service to restore all exhibits and displays related to the slaves who lived at the President's House site, which is located near Independence Hall. The Trump administration had sought to remove or alter these exhibits, arguing they were not historically accurate. However, the judge found the administration's actions were likely unlawful and ordered the displays to be reinstated.

  • The President's House site in Philadelphia served as the executive mansion before the White House was built.
  • The Trump administration sought to remove or alter exhibits related to slaves at the site in 2019.
  • U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe issued her order to restore the exhibits on February 16, 2026.

The players

Cynthia Rufe

A U.S. District Judge who ordered the National Park Service to restore exhibits about slaves at the President's House site in Philadelphia.

National Park Service

The federal agency that manages the President's House site in Philadelphia and was ordered to restore exhibits related to slavery at the location.

City of Philadelphia

Argued that the Trump administration unlawfully removed displays about slaves at the President's House site, leading to the judge's order to restore the exhibits.

Trump administration

Sought to remove or alter exhibits related to slaves at the President's House site, which the judge found was likely unlawful.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As if the Ministry of Truth had taken over the National Park Service, the Trump administration unlawfully sought to rewrite history and obscure the truth about slavery at the President's House site.”

— Judge Cynthia Rufe, U.S. District Judge (Court ruling)

What’s next

The National Park Service must comply with the judge's order and fully restore all exhibits related to slavery at the President's House site within 60 days.

The takeaway

This ruling is a significant victory for efforts to accurately portray and commemorate the history of slavery in the United States, rejecting attempts by the Trump administration to downplay or obscure this painful chapter. It underscores the importance of maintaining historical integrity and not allowing political agendas to rewrite the past.