President Donald Trump’s latest effort to rewrite history within the halls of the Executive Mansion has sparked rare condemnation from one of his most consistent media allies. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade openly rejected the president’s installation of commemorative plaques that mock former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama. The segment highlighted a growing discomfort with the administration’s decision to permanently etch political insults into the White House Colonnade.
The renovations have transformed a traditional walkway into what critics are calling a partisan grievance board. While political jousting is common in Washington, using the official residence to memorialize “Truth Social” style attacks marks a significant departure from presidential decorum.
Gold Lettering and Partisan Grievances
The controversy centers on a series of new installations placed beneath the official portraits of Trump’s predecessors. These are not standard historical markers. Instead, they feature gold-lettered commentary that mimics the president’s campaign rhetoric.
Visitors to the Colonnade are now greeted with a plaque under President Biden’s portrait that describes him in derogatory terms. The inscription labels the 46th commander-in-chief as “Sleepy Joe” and claims he was the “worst President in American history.”
The text goes further than simple name calling. It enshrines the disproven claim that the 2020 election was stolen.
Perhaps the most bizarre addition is the visual element accompanying the text. The administration installed an image of an “autopen” machine next to Biden’s profile. This is intended to symbolize the current president’s refusal to accept his 2020 loss, implying Biden’s presidency was illegitimate or artificial.
The plaque dedicated to Barack Obama is equally combative. It describes the 44th president as a divisive figure and explicitly accuses him of “spying” on the Trump campaign. It refers to the investigation into Russian interference as the “Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax,” effectively turning a government hallway into an op-ed column.
Kilmeade Breaks Ranks on Air
The reaction from Fox & Friends was immediate and uncharacteristically critical. Brian Kilmeade, who frequently defends the president’s policies, found himself unable to justify the breach of tradition.
Kilmeade viewed the additions as beneath the dignity of the office. He interrupted the usual flow of the morning show to voice his disapproval clearly.
“No, I’m not for this at all. If he is going to do it outdoors, just put the profiles up there. I am not for dispelling or saying anything bad.”
The anchor argued that historical legacy often shifts over time. He noted that presidents viewed negatively in their era are often re-evaluated by future generations. By cementing these insults now, the administration removes that historical nuance.
“I am not for the trolling,” Kilmeade stated firmly, drawing a line between political campaigning and governing.
His co-hosts engaged in the tense exchange. Jessica Tarlov went a step further in her condemnation. She described the behavior as “repulsive,” signaling that the renovations had struck a nerve even within conservative media circles.
An Era of Excessive Renovation
These plaques are merely the latest component of a massive aesthetic overhaul initiated since Trump returned to the White House. The president has prioritized a redesign of the grounds that many historians view as destructive.
The stylistic changes lean heavily into opulence. Reports indicate the Oval Office has been fitted with Rococo mirrors and gold medallions. The administration has also paved over the historic Rose Garden with a concrete patio, fundamentally altering one of the most iconic outdoor spaces in the country.
The scale of construction has raised eyebrows regarding cost and preservation:
- Demolition of the East Wing: Sections have been torn down to accommodate a new structure.
- A Massive Ballroom: Plans include a 90,000-square-foot event space.
- Ballooning Costs: The budget for these additions continues to expand beyond initial estimates.
- Oversized Flagpoles: New installations on the grounds dominate the visual landscape.
Critics argue these changes prioritize personal branding over historical preservation. The White House is traditionally seen as the “People’s House,” where temporary occupants act as stewards for future generations.
Shattering Presidential Norms
The installation of these plaques breaks a long standing code of conduct among presidents. Regardless of party lines, the White House has historically been a zone of mutual respect among those who have served.
George W. Bush famously welcomed Bill Clinton back to the residence. Barack Obama hosted the Bush family for portrait unveilings. These traditions rely on the understanding that the office is larger than any single individual.
By using the building’s infrastructure to attack political rivals, the current administration is setting a new, contentious precedent. It forces visitors, staff, and future leaders to confront partisan battles in spaces meant for unity.
This incident with Kilmeade suggests that for some supporters, the focus on retribution has overshadowed the agenda of governance. When the furniture and walls begin to scream political slogans, the serious work of the presidency may be getting lost in the noise.
The physical changes to the White House may be reversible by future administrations, but the breach of decorum represents a deeper shift in American politics. As the gold paint dries on these controversial plaques, the nation is left to wonder if the dignity of the presidency can be restored as easily as a wall can be repainted. It is a sobering moment when even the walls of the executive mansion are drafted into a never ending political war.
What are your thoughts on using the White House for political statements? Do you agree with Brian Kilmeade or the President? Join the conversation below and share your views on social media using #WhiteHouseDecor.
