Key Takeaways

• President Trump personally wrote some of the new plaques on the White House portrait wall.
• One plaque claims Trump “saved America” and predicts a landslide re-election.
• Governor Gavin Newsom’s team mocked Trump with a viral fake plaque on social media.
• Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel called Trump a “special kind of lunatic” for casting his own insults in bronze.
• Newsom criticized the effort amid rising costs for Americans.

A recent update to the presidential portrait wall in the White House has sparked laughter and criticism. President Trump reportedly wrote several of the new plaques himself. One reads that he “saved America” from the Biden administration and would win re-election in a landslide. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office shared a mock plaque that pokes fun at Trump’s ego. Meanwhile, comedian Jimmy Kimmel slammed the process on live TV. As tensions rise, many wonder what this says about Trump’s legacy and his focus amid national challenges.

Why the Trump Plaque is Causing a Stir

First, the idea of a president writing his own plaque text is unusual. Typically, historians or professional staff draft these inscriptions. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump wrote some entries “directly” himself. As a result, critics say he used the plaque to hurl insults—something they find undignified for a presidential tribute. Moreover, the phrase “saved America” struck many as overblown. After all, presidential portraits aim to honor past service, not offer campaign slogans. Consequently, this Trump plaque sparked both mockery and concern over the proper tone in the nation’s most important residence.

Newsom’s Press Office Fires Back

In a swift response, Gavin Newsom’s team created its own parody plaque. The mock-up image shows Trump’s portrait with a new caption that reads:
“Donald is finished – he is no longer ‘hot’. First the hands (so tiny) and now me – Gavin C. Newsom – have taken away his ‘step’. Many say he can’t even do the ‘big stairs’ on Air Force One anymore – uses the little baby stairs now. Sad! All the television cameras are on me. Even low-ratings Laura Ingraham (edits the tapes!) can’t stop talking about my beautiful maps. You’re welcome for Liberation Day, America! Donnie J missed ‘the deadline’ (whoops!) and now I run the show. Thank you for your attention to this matter! – GCN.”

This playful jab highlights how the Trump plaque became a satire target almost immediately. The mock leaflet went viral on social media within hours of posting. It shows how a simple plaque change can turn into a full-blown political roast.

Comedy and Criticism from Jimmy Kimmel

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel joined the chorus of critics. On his show, he quipped that it takes “a special kind of lunatic” to have his insults engraved in bronze. He joked that Trump must have called “a trophy shop, said ‘grab a pen, let’s make some plaques’ and cast his jabs into metal.” In Kimmel’s view, these plaques show more about Trump’s vanity than his leadership. His segment amplified the issue, reminding viewers that even late-night TV sees the move as bizarre.

Newsom’s Social Media Reaction

Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom took to social media to critique the timing. He pointed out that inflation, unemployment, grocery costs, and electricity prices are all rising. Yet, Trump spends time writing self-praising plaque text. In his post, Newsom wrote:
“Inflation is up. Unemployment is up. Grocery prices are up. Electricity costs are up. And Donald Trump is spending his time doing this bull…t.”

This comment struck a chord with many who feel day-to-day concerns go unaddressed. Therefore, critics argue that focusing on plaques is a sign of misplaced priorities for a former president eyeing another term.

What It Means for Trump’s Legacy

In addition to fueling comedy, the Trump plaque episode raises a larger question: How will history remember this moment? On one hand, the plaques could be seen as a bold statement by a president who wanted to control his own narrative. On the other hand, they risk being remembered as a vanity project. Already, the story has eclipsed traditional debates on policy and performance.

Moreover, the incident suggests a shift in how leaders engage with public memory. Rather than relying on historians, Trump intervened directly. This approach may encourage future leaders to personalize history more aggressively. As a result, the role of historians and curators could diminish over time.

What’s Next for the White House Portrait Hall?

Looking forward, the White House may need to revisit its plaque approval process. Historians and staff might push for clearer guidelines to prevent similar stunts. Meanwhile, the public will watch to see if any plaques are revised or removed. In addition, the debate shows that even small details in the White House can grab headlines.

For former presidents, this episode offers a lesson: Personal branding efforts can backfire when they clash with tradition. As Trump eyes another run for office, the spotlight on the plaque saga could fade—or it could serve as a reminder of one of the more unusual moments in presidential history.

Final Thoughts

The Trump plaque affair proves that history can be as much a battleground as any political debate. From the White House walls to social media feeds, each new update reshapes the story. As a result, observers will keep questioning how much control leaders should have over their own legacies. Meanwhile, satire and late-night jokes ensure the public won’t forget this quirky chapter anytime soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly did Trump write on the new White House plaques?

He reportedly added his own phrases, including a claim that he “saved America” and would win re-election in a landslide. Historians usually draft these plaques.

Why did Gavin Newsom’s office mock the Trump plaque?

Newsom’s team used humor to criticize Trump’s focus on a vanity project while many Americans face rising living costs.

How did Jimmy Kimmel react to the plaques?

He called Trump a “special kind of lunatic” and joked that casting insults in bronze shows extreme vanity.

Could the plaques be changed or removed?

It’s possible. Future administrations may tighten rules on plaque creation to ensure professional oversight.