Trump Administration Appeals Order to Restore George Washington Slavery Exhibit

The exhibit at Washington's former home on Independence Mall in Philadelphia was ordered restored by a federal judge.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Trump Administration has announced it will appeal a federal judge's order to restore an exhibit in Philadelphia that focused on the nine people enslaved by George Washington at his former home on Independence Mall.

Why it matters

The exhibit's removal sparked backlash from historians and civil rights groups who argued it was important to acknowledge the nation's history of slavery, even for revered figures like Washington. The appeal continues the ongoing debate over how to properly contextualize the legacies of historical leaders who owned slaves.

The details

A federal judge had ordered the National Park Service to restore the exhibit, which had been removed in 2017. The exhibit provided information about the nine enslaved individuals who lived and worked at Washington's Philadelphia home, known as the President's House.

  • The exhibit was removed in 2017.
  • A federal judge ordered its restoration in 2026.

The players

Trump Administration

The executive branch of the U.S. federal government under former President Donald Trump, which is now appealing the order to restore the exhibit.

National Park Service

The federal agency that manages the President's House site and had removed the slavery exhibit in 2017.

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What’s next

The appeal by the Trump Administration will be heard in federal court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over how to properly contextualize the legacies of historical leaders who owned slaves, and the challenges of presenting a full and honest account of America's history.