Judge deals blow to Trump administration, orders slavery exhibit restored at iconic Philly landmark

Federal judge orders National Park Service to restore slavery exhibit at Philadelphia's President's House, citing Orwell's "1984" in scathing ruling. Travel Judge deals blow to Trump administration, orders slavery exhibit restored at iconic Philly landmark Interior Department files appeal after court requires restoration of President's House display in Philadelphia By Ashley J. DiMella Fox News Published February 17, 2026 2:25pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Museum showcases the history and tradition of Qatar Fox News anchor and executive editor Bret Baier has an exclusive look into the design of the museum on 'Special Report.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A federal judge has ordered the National Park Service (NPS) to restore a slavery-related exhibit that was removed from the President’s House site. The President’s House, part of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, commemorates nine enslaved people who were owned by George Washington.On Monday, U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe granted a preliminary injunction requiring the exhibit’s restoration. NATIONAL PARK GIFT SHOPS ARE ORDERED TO PURGE BIAS-DRIVEN DEI AND WOKE MERCHANDISE An Interior Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital an appeal was filed later that night. In the order, Judge Rufe wrote that the situation was "as if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ now existed" — invoking a slogan from the iconic novel. A federal judge has ordered the National Park Service to restore a slavery exhibit at Philadelphia's President's House. The Interior Department said it filed an appeal. (NPS)"’Ignorance is strength' — this court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims — to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts," wrote Rufe. "It does not," the judge added. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES The Interior Department spokesperson said the agency disagrees with the court’s ruling. "The National Park Service routinely updates exhibits across the park system to ensure historical accuracy and completeness," said the spokesperson. The President’s House, part of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, commemorates the lives of nine enslaved people owned by George Washington. (NPS)"If not for this unnecessary judicial intervention, updated interpretive materials providing a fuller account of the history of slavery at Independence Hall would have been installed in the coming days," the spokesperson added.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER On Jan. 22, NPS removed 34 educational panels and deactivated accompanying video exhibits under an executive order that directed the Secretary of the Interior to remove content that "inappropriately disparage[s] Americans past or living" — and focuses instead on "the greatness of the achievements ... of the American people," as FOX29 reported. An Interior Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that an appeal was filed Monday night. (NPS)NPS was directed to look at the merchandise sold to make sure all retail items complied by Dec. 19."The goal is to keep National Parks focused on their core mission: preserving natural and cultural resources for the benefit of all Americans," an Interior Department spokesperson said to Fox News Digital at the time. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Retail items are considered "public-facing content," making them subject to the order.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP If items were identified as "non-compliant," those items were then "removed from sale immediately." Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital. Related Topics TravelLifestyleMuseums ExhibitsNational ParksPhiladelphiaFamily Travel Fox News Lifestyle A look at the top-trending stories in food, relationships, great outdoors and more. Arrives Twice a week By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!