Trump Administration Appeals Judge’s Order to Restore Philly Slavery Exhibit

Feb 18, 2026

Trump administration to appeal ruling over slavery exhibit - WHYY

The Trump administration has appealed a federal judge’s order requiring slavery-related exhibits be returned to the President’s House Site in Philadelphia, escalating a dispute over how the historic site is presented to the public.

The appeal, filed February 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, challenges a February 16 memorandum opinion directing federal officials to restore the exhibits.

The case, City of Philadelphia v. Burgum et al., names Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron as defendants. The Notice of Appeal confirms the matter is headed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

The underlying ruling ordered the return of slavery-focused displays that had been removed from the President’s House Site, a historic location tied to George Washington’s presidency and the enslaved individuals who lived there.

The Justice Department filing states, “Defendants hereby appeal this Court’s February 16, 2026 memorandum opinion and order,” according to the signed notice submitted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory B. David.

The dispute raises broader questions about federal authority over National Park Service exhibits and the balance between historical interpretation and administrative discretion.

The Third Circuit will now review the lower court’s decision, which could determine whether the exhibits must be restored while litigation continues or whether the federal government’s removal decision stands.

Further briefing deadlines are expected to be set by the appellate court in the coming weeks.

For now, the legal fight over the Philadelphia exhibits is moving to the next stage.

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