Trump Administration Ordered to Restore Slavery Exhibits at Philadelphia's President's House

Federal judge rules that removing displays about Washington's enslaved workers was an attempt to control what the public can learn.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore 34 panels and videos at the President's House site in Philadelphia that explained how the nation's first president lived there with nine enslaved people, including two who escaped. The administration had removed the displays, arguing they presented a "distorted narrative" and should be replaced with "solemn and uplifting" monuments to America's "extraordinary heritage." However, polls show most Americans want both pride and honesty in how the country's history is portrayed.

Why it matters

The dispute over the Philadelphia exhibits is part of a broader battle between the Trump administration and critics over how to present America's history, especially regarding slavery and racism. While the White House argues it's rescuing history from "activists" rewriting the past, polls suggest most Americans want a balanced approach that acknowledges both the country's successes and failures.

The details

In late January 2026, the Trump administration removed the 34 panels and videos from the President's House site, which sits inside Independence National Historical Park where George and Martha Washington lived in the 1790s. The exhibits memorialized nine enslaved people held at the residence, including Oney Judge and Hercules, both of whom escaped. U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe has now ordered the materials restored "in their original condition" while litigation continues, and prohibited the administration from installing "replacements that explain the history differently."

  • In late January 2026, the Trump administration removed the 34 panels and videos from the President's House site.
  • On February 17, 2026, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to put the displays back.

The players

Cynthia Rufe

A U.S. District Judge who ordered the Trump administration to restore the exhibits at the President's House site.

Donald Trump

The former president whose administration removed the exhibits, arguing they presented a "distorted narrative" and should be replaced with "solemn and uplifting" monuments to America's "extraordinary heritage."

Oney Judge

One of the nine enslaved people held at the President's House during George Washington's presidency, who escaped.

Hercules

One of the nine enslaved people held at the President's House during George Washington's presidency, who escaped.

Josh Shapiro

The Democratic governor of Pennsylvania who called the removal of the exhibits an effort to avoid "the truth" and said the country has to confront its "painful" past.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.