Appeals Court Lets Trump Replace Slavery Exhibits in Philly

A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that the Trump administration can proceed with its plan to replace historical exhibits about slavery at George Washington's former residence in Philadelphia. The unanimous decision from a three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a lower court's injunction that had ordered the National Park Service to restore the original panels.

The original interpretive displays, installed in the early 2000s through a collaboration between the city, historians, and private partners, detailed the history of the nine individuals enslaved by Washington at the Presidents House in the 1790s. The National Park Service removed those panels in January following an executive order from President Donald Trump directing agencies to avoid content that "inappropriately disparages" American historical figures.

Philadelphia sued, arguing that a cooperation agreement and a $1.5 million city contribution for the site's creation required federal consultation before changes. The city also contended the removal was arbitrary. The appeals court, however, found that while Philadelphia had standing to sue, its arguments lacked merit. The judges wrote...