Trump Administration Scrubs Slavery Exhibit After Deciding George Washington Deserves Better Optics

PHILADELPHIA — The Trump administration ordered the removal of a slavery exhibit at Independence National Historical Park this week after concluding that George Washington—dead since 1799—was taking an unnecessary image hit.

According to officials, the exhibit’s detailed explanations of enslaved people living and working at the President’s House created “confusing optics” that distracted visitors from the Founding Fathers’ core brand message of freedom, greatness, and not dwelling on the past.

“History should uplift,” said one Interior Department official, clarifying that mentioning slavery in the literal birthplace of American independence risked making America “look like it had issues.” The official added that while slavery technically occurred, it should not be presented in a way that might cause visitors to question anything or feel weird.

Administration sources stressed that the decision was not about erasing history but about improving its presentation. “We’re not saying slavery didn’t happen,” said one official. “We’re just saying it doesn’t need that much detail—or walls—or words.”

At press time, the National Park Service had not announced what would replace the exhibit, though early proposals reportedly include a simplified plaque reading “George Washington Rules” and a QR code linking to a gift shop.