Philadelphia, February 18, 2026
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore historical exhibits at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia, which detail George Washington’s ownership of enslaved individuals. The ruling, issued on Monday, mandates the reinstatement of placards and videos that highlight Washington’s connections to slavery and honor the lives of nine enslaved African people who lived and worked at his home. The court stated that the government lacked authority for the removals and has prohibited further changes to the site.
Philadelphia: Judge Orders Temporary Restoration of Slavery Displays
A federal judge on Monday ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore historical displays detailing George Washington’s ownership of enslaved people at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia. The ruling mandates the immediate reinstatement of the exhibits which had been previously removed.
Details of the Order
The judicial order specifically addresses the removal of placards and videos that illustrated Washington’s involvement with slavery and commemorated the lives of nine enslaved African people who worked at his Philadelphia home.
Court’s Rationale
The judge stated that the government did not possess the authority to remove these displays. Furthermore, the court ruling blocks any further changes to the historical site, ensuring the exhibits remain intact for now.
Background on the Removal
The order comes after the Interior Department, under the Trump administration, had removed the informational placards and videos related to slavery from the site.
Key Aspects of the Judge’s Order
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Federal Judge’s Order |
| Subject | Temporary Restoration of Slavery Displays |
| Location | President’s House Site, Philadelphia |
| Party Ordered | Trump Administration (Interior Department) |
| Date of Order | Monday |
| Removed Content | Placards and videos about George Washington’s ownership of enslaved people and nine enslaved individuals |
| Court Ruling | Government lacked authority to remove displays; blocks further changes |
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Slavery Exhibit Removed from President’s House Site in Philadelphia
