Are White House Plaques Accurately Fact-Checked for Former Presidents?

The recent installation of plaques under the portraits of former US presidents at the White House marks a significant shift in how the legacies of these leaders are presented. Unlike traditional speech formats, these plaques, dubbed the "Presidential Walk of Fame," offer permanent, often controversial narratives about each president, particularly targeting Joe Biden and Barack Obama. The plaques reflect Donald Trump's ongoing campaign to shape public perception, presenting claims that have drawn scrutiny and rebuttals from fact checkers.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The installation of the plaques outside the West Wing has generated considerable debate, with critics questioning the accuracy of claims made under Trump's direction. The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has stated that the plaques are "eloquently written descriptions" of each president's legacy. However, the text has been labelled as politically charged, particularly in its portrayal of Biden's presidency.

Key takeaways

The plaques represent a permanent narrative about former presidents, particularly targeting Biden and Obama.
Claims of corruption and voter fraud related to Biden’s presidency lack substantial evidence.
Trump's assertions about inflation and migrant numbers have been challenged by factual analysis.

Timeline: how we got here

The plaques' installation is part of a broader narrative effort by the Trump administration as it seeks to define historical legacies. Major milestones leading up to this include:

January 2021: Joe Biden’s inauguration amid claims of election fraud.
June 2022: Inflation peaks at 9.1% following the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
October 2023: Installation of the plaques at the White House.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The plaques contain specific claims about Biden's presidency, including allegations of voter fraud and uncontrolled immigration, which have been scrutinised for lack of evidence. Additionally, Trump's self-portrayal includes unfounded claims about ending conflicts and economic achievements.

What was already established

Previous investigations into voter fraud have consistently revealed no evidence supporting widespread misconduct in the 2020 election. Similarly, the inflation rates during Biden's term, while significant, do not reflect the highest levels in US history.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The political discourse surrounding these plaques can influence public perception in the UK, especially among those interested in US politics. The UK economy may also be indirectly affected by US economic policies and inflation trends.

Businesses and jobs

Global markets often react to US political shifts. The narratives surrounding economic performance can impact trade relationships and business confidence, especially in sectors reliant on exports to the US.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may need to consider how US policies could affect bilateral agreements, especially related to immigration and trade, as political rhetoric evolves in Washington.

Numbers that matter

9.1%: Peak inflation rate in the US in June 2022.
10 million: Estimated migrant encounters at the US border during Biden's presidency.
11 million: Estimated illegal migrants living in the US as of January 2022.

Definitions and jargon buster

Inflation: The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power.
Voter fraud: Illegal interference with the election process, including casting votes under false pretences.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the political landscape evolves, expect ongoing debates about the accuracy of the claims made on the plaques and their implications for the upcoming electoral cycle.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Watch for potential responses from Biden and Obama, as well as further developments in the US political narrative leading up to the 2024 elections.

Signals to watch

Polling data reflecting public opinion on the US political climate.
Inflation rates and economic indicators that may signal changes in public sentiment.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about US political developments and their potential impact on global markets.
Engage with multiple news sources to gain a well-rounded perspective on events.

Don’t

Don’t take claims at face value without verifying through credible sources.
Don’t ignore the implications of US politics on UK policies and economics.

Checklist

Check the credibility of the sources reporting on US political narratives.
Monitor key economic indicators that reflect the health of the US economy.
Engage in discussions about the implications of US policy shifts on UK interests.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The claims made on the plaques may not reflect the consensus of historians or economists and should be approached with caution. The evolving political narrative can shift dramatically, making it essential to stay updated with reliable information.

Bottom line

The new plaques at the White House serve as a bold attempt to redefine the legacies of former presidents through a particular political lens. As the UK observes these developments, it is imperative to critically assess the claims being made and understand their broader implications on international relations and domestic policies.

FAQs

What claims are made against Joe Biden on the plaques?

The plaques claim Biden's election resulted from "the most corrupt election ever seen" and assert he allowed millions to enter the US illegally, both of which lack substantial evidence.

How does inflation under Biden compare to historical levels?

While inflation peaked at 9.1% during Biden's presidency, historical records show higher rates have occurred, notably reaching 23.7% in 1920.

What are the implications of these plaques for UK readers?

UK readers should consider how US political narratives may influence global economic conditions and bilateral relations, particularly in trade and immigration policies.