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Judge Orders Protection for Damaged Slavery Panels in Philadelphia

2/7/2026

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Judge Orders Protection

U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe ordered the Trump administration to prevent further damage to slavery panels removed from the President's House in Philadelphia.
The panels honor nine enslaved individuals from George Washington's household.
The panels were deemed damaged during a recent inspection.
The Department of the Interior defended the removal, citing an executive order aimed at eliminating "divisive" narratives.
Philadelphia's lawsuit claims the removal violated agreements with the National Parks Service.

Right

Trump's Grand Ballroom

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom to host up to 650 guests.
The ballroom is under construction and is expected to cost over $200 million, funded by Trump and private donors.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the ballroom will host major functions without temporary structures.
Trump is renovating the Trump Kennedy Center and the Oval Office as part of his Washington transformation.

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Judge Orders Protection

U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe ordered the Trump administration to prevent further damage to slavery panels removed from the President's House in Philadelphia.
The panels honor nine enslaved individuals from George Washington's household.
The panels were deemed damaged during a recent inspection.
The Department of the Interior defended the removal, citing an executive order aimed at eliminating "divisive" narratives.
Philadelphia's lawsuit claims the removal violated agreements with the National Parks Service.

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