Washington, D.C. – September 25, 2025 In a bold and unconventional move that blends historical reverence with pointed political commentary, President Donald Trump unveiled a new exhibit dubbed the “Presidential Walk of Fame” in the White House West Wing colonnade adjacent to the Rose Garden on Wednesday. The display, featuring framed black-and-white portraits of past U.S. presidents, has sparked immediate controversy for its omission of a traditional image of former President Joe Biden—instead replacing it with a photograph of an autopen machine.
The installation, which Trump personally oversaw, includes dignified portraits of figures such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and several of Trump’s predecessors dating back to the nation’s founding. Notably, the exhibit dedicates multiple frames to Trump himself, showcasing key moments from his first and current terms in office. However, Biden’s slot stands out as a stark deviation: a simple image of an autopen, the mechanical device used to replicate signatures on documents.
Trump, addressing reporters during a brief unveiling ceremony, tied the choice directly to his long-standing criticisms of Biden’s administration. “Joe Biden relied on that autopen more than he did on his own pen—signing pardons, executive orders, you name it. It was like the real president was a robot in the basement,” Trump quipped, referencing unsubstantiated claims he has made about Biden’s use of the device during his presidency. “This Walk of Fame honors real leaders who put pen to paper themselves. No fakes here.”
White House historians and critics were quick to react. The colonnade, a historic passageway often used for ceremonial purposes, has traditionally housed displays that emphasize continuity and respect for the office. “This isn’t just a portrait gallery; it’s a statement,” said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a presidential historian at Georgetown University. “By substituting an autopen for Biden, Trump is essentially erasing his predecessor’s legacy in a very public way, turning a symbol of unity into one of division.”
The autopen in question has become a recurring motif in Trump’s rhetoric. During his 2024 campaign and early in his second term, Trump frequently alleged that Biden overused the device to sign critical documents, implying a lack of personal involvement or even incapacity. While autopens have been employed by presidents since the mid-20th century for efficiency—including by Trump himself during his first term—fact-checkers have noted that Biden’s usage was not unusually high compared to norms.
Democrats decried the move as petty and unbecoming of the presidency. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called it “another stunt in Trump’s endless grudge match,” urging focus on pressing issues like economic recovery and international relations. On social media, hashtags like #AutopenGate and #TrumpWalkOfFame trended, with users divided between amusement and outrage.
The exhibit’s design draws inspiration from Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, with each portrait embedded in a star-shaped frame along the colonnade floor and walls. Visitors, including White House staff and select guests, can stroll the path while viewing the images. Trump hinted at future expansions, joking about adding “stars for the best deals and biggest wins.”
As of Thursday morning, the White House has not announced public access to the display, but sources indicate it may become part of guided tours in the coming weeks. Whether this “Walk of Fame” endures as a fixture or becomes another flashpoint in America’s polarized politics remains to be seen.
This article is based on recent White House announcements and public statements.
