Trump unveils 'Presidential Walk of Fame' at West Wing with Biden autopen portrait

WASHINGTON — The West Wing colonnade has been reimagined with a display titled The Presidential Walk of Fame, a row of portraits depicting former U.S. presidents. The installation, described by aides as a tribute to the nation’s leaders, features a gold-lettered heading above the frames. In a striking departure from tradition, the portrait of President Joe Biden has been replaced by an image of an autopen signing the Democrat’s name, while other portraits appear to be standard presidential images.

Assistant to the President Margo Martin posted a video on X showing the new exhibit, saying, “The Presidential Walk of Fame has arrived on the West Wing Colonnade. Wait for it…” as the camera panned to Biden’s autopen image. The walk was first revealed to conservative outlet The Daily Caller earlier this month.

Images in the video show black-and-white portraits in gold frames, including images of former presidents such as Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. The White House published a separate photo in which President Donald Trump is seen closely examining his own frame, positioned next to Biden’s autopen portrait.

Biden’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the exhibit.

Initial commentary from Trump allies linked to the controversy has been overtly celebratory on social media. The Daily Caller reported Trump’s remarks when asked whether he would hang a portrait of Biden: “Isn’t that an interesting question.” He then added, “We put up a picture of the autopen.” Conservative supporters quickly embraced the jab, with one commentator praising the move as a pointed and accurate display of political taunts.

Among the prominent responses on X, Link Lauren wrote, “President Trump putting a picture of the autopen instead of Biden is one of the many reasons I love that man.” Rogan O’Handley, a conservative influencer, chimed in, “This is hilarious. President Autopen has been officially recognized!”

Officials familiar with the project describe The Presidential Walk of Fame as a provocative, stylized walk intended to commemorate the presidency while inviting discussion about the legacy of leadership. The portraits appear to be stylized in black and white with gold frames, a contrast to the traditional color portraits that typically adorn federal spaces. The White House has not announced any official policy change or expansion of the display beyond the newly installed colonnade exhibit.

Commentary about the exhibit has largely reflected the broader political moments of the current era, with supporters framing the installation as a bold, symbolic jab at political rivals and critics describing it as an audacious public display that foregrounds rivalry over concord. As with other portraits and commemorations displayed at the nation’s capital, the walk is symbolic, not a formal renaming or policy move, and it enters into a broader conversation about how presidents are remembered in the public space.

The exhibit’s reception underscores ongoing tensions over how history is presented in government spaces and how portraiture can be leveraged in contemporary political discourse. While supporters view the display as a clever, unapologetic piece of political theater, opponents may see it as a partisan maneuver that blends museum-like tribute with digital-age backlash.

At this stage, there are no indications that additional portraits will be swapped or that other parts of the White House grounds will mirror the colonnade installation. Officials have emphasized that the walk is a temporary exhibit, though no formal timeline has been published. The White House and the Trump administration have not provided further statements outlining the scope or duration of the display.

In the evolving narrative around presidential imagery, the Presidential Walk of Fame stands as a concrete, visible reminder of how portraits can shape public memory and political dialogue. Whether the display will influence perceptions of Biden’s presidency or serve as a case study in presidential iconography remains to be seen as audience and critics continue to weigh the symbolism and intent behind the Forging a public memory project on the West Wing’s most traversed corridor.