US EditionJudge calls Justice Department’s statements on slavery exhibit display ‘dangerous’ and ‘horrifying’
Philadelphia seeks preliminary injunction to restore slavery exhibits removed without public input, citing a $1.5 million city investment and historic collaboration with the National Park Service.
- On Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe warned Justice Department lawyers their argument on deciding history displays was dangerous and horrifying, pressing to halt further removals at the President's House site.
- The removals followed Trump administration directives, with lawyers arguing NPS controls its property and can change exhibits, citing a 2006 cooperative agreement and the 2010 transfer of ownership.
- Workers dismantled the panels on Jan. 22 and loaded them into a pickup for storage near the National Constitution Center; the panels documented nine people enslaved by George and Martha Washington, with the City of Philadelphia investing $1.5 million in the exhibit.
- Rufe plans to inspect the stored panels on Monday and the site before ruling, with a decision possible early next week as the City of Philadelphia seeks a preliminary injunction to restore the panels amid heavy visitor interest for the 250th anniversary.
- As the 250th anniversary approaches, the case raises questions about government speech and who may select public history, with advocates supporting the city’s effort to restore memorial panels. Rufe plans to rule quickly, citing the surge of visitors expected this year.
77 Articles
77 Articles
Philadelphia: Trump removes historic depiction of enslavement
Philadelphia Despite broad public opposition, on Jan. 22 National Park Service (NPS) workers carried out orders from President Donald Trump to remove over a dozen display panels about the history of enslavement in the U.S. The panels, under the general theme, “The Dirty Business of Slavery
Abrupt removal of President's House slavery exhibits was pulling 'pages out of a history book with a razor'
A federal judge made no official decision Friday on whether the recently removed President's House slavery exhibits will be able to be displayed again, but she said nothing more can be taken from the site on Independence Mall.
Associated Press News
Judge calls Justice Department's statements on slavery exhibit display 'dangerous' and 'horrifying'
A federal judge warned Justice Department lawyers that they were making “dangerous" and “horrifying” statements when they said the Trump Administration can decide what part of history to display at National Park Service sites.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
