Trump’s Planned “Presidential Wall of Fame” Includes Controversial Biden Portrait
In a revealing interview with the Daily Caller, President Trump shared his vision for a new White House gallery called the “Presidential Wall of Fame” that’s currently under construction in the Rose Garden. Among the portraits planned for this gallery is a particularly controversial one: an “autopen portrait” of former President Joe Biden. “It’s a decision I have to make. We put up a picture of the autopen,” Trump explained, showing the publication a mock-up of what he envisions the portrait to look like. Trump seems determined to include this unusual tribute, saying, “I gotta do it,” and specifying he wants it in black and white without Biden smiling. While the specifics of the mock-up weren’t revealed in the article, Trump himself acknowledged the provocative nature of his plan, stating plainly, “This is going to be very controversial.”
The proposed Biden autopen portrait references recent investigations into the former president’s use of the mechanical signature device. In July, the White House announced an inquiry into Biden’s autopen practices, with the National Archives Records Administration turning over tens of thousands of documents for review. The investigation centers on distinguishing between what Biden personally directed versus what may have been signed without his explicit approval. A Trump administration official noted during the interview that “the only time a legitimate use of the autopen should happen is if the president said he wanted something done, or if he was asked for his approval.” This context gives Trump’s portrait idea a pointed political dimension, suggesting it’s meant to question the authenticity of Biden’s presidential actions.
Beyond the portrait controversy, Trump used the interview to make several critical remarks about Biden’s presidency and health. He claimed Biden “didn’t win the race” and was “a horrible president,” continuing a long-standing narrative of election denial. More surprisingly, Trump made perplexing comments about Biden’s health, incorrectly referring to Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis from May as “Stage Nine cancer.” Trump added, “I’ve never heard of more than stage four. Stage four is the highest. I’ve never — if you’re stage four, you’re dead.” This statement contains significant medical inaccuracies, as cancer staging typically ranges from one to four, with Biden’s actual diagnosis being far less severe than Trump suggested.
The “Presidential Wall of Fame” represents just one element of Trump’s broader efforts to reshape the White House grounds during his second term. These renovations appear to be a priority for the administration, with several projects already underway or planned for the near future. Last month, Trump announced that construction on a $200 million White House ballroom will begin in September, indicating substantial changes to the historic building. The president has also demonstrated close attention to detail in these renovation efforts, recently calling out a subcontractor for damaging custom limestone in the Rose Garden with improperly handled gardening equipment.
Trump’s vision for the White House reflects his unique approach to the presidency—blending traditional elements with his personal style and occasionally provocative choices. The “Presidential Wall of Fame” concept itself represents a departure from the more formal Presidential Portrait Gallery tradition, suggesting Trump wishes to put his own stamp on White House customs. The inclusion of a potentially mocking portrait of his predecessor is particularly noteworthy, as it breaks with the general tradition of respectful acknowledgment between presidents regardless of party differences. This approach to honoring his predecessors—particularly Biden—highlights the ongoing political tensions that continue to shape American politics in the post-2020 landscape.
The timing of these revelations about the planned portrait gallery comes as Trump settles into his second term, focusing increasingly on establishing his legacy while simultaneously critiquing his predecessor. The “Presidential Wall of Fame” appears designed not just as a tribute to America’s presidential history but as a vehicle for Trump to frame that history according to his perspective. Whether the Biden autopen portrait will actually be included when the gallery is unveiled remains to be seen, but Trump’s willingness to discuss it openly suggests he’s at least seriously considering this unconventional and potentially divisive addition to the White House’s historical displays. As with many aspects of Trump’s presidency, this proposed gallery blends traditional presidential functions with his characteristic willingness to break norms and generate controversy.
