Appeals court says Trump administration can halt work on slavery exhibit in Philadelphia amid appeal - Associated Press News
AP News
February 20, 2026
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An appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily halt work on a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia while an appeal is ongoing. The exhibit, which aims to address the city's role in the transatlantic slave trade, was being developed by the Independence National Historical Park with federal funding. However, the administration argued that it violated federal guidelines by omitting key historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The court granted a stay, allowing the project to be paused while legal challenges are resolved.
The case centers on a $12.5 million grant from the National Park Service for the "Slavery in Philadelphia" exhibit. Critics, including historians and local officials, argue that the administration's decision to halt the project is an attempt to suppress uncomfortable truths about slavery and its impact on American history. The exhibit was designed to provide a more comprehensive and critical perspective on Philadelphia's historical role in slavery, which has long been overlooked or downplayed.
The Trump administration contends that the exhibit violates federal regulations by omitting significant Founding Fathers who owned enslaved people. They argue that such omissions could mislead visitors about the broader context of American history. The lower court initially denied the administration's request for a stay, but the appeals court reversed this decision, allowing the project to be temporarily halted.
This ruling has sparked widespread criticism from historians and civil rights advocates, who view it as an attempt to censor historical narratives that challenge national pride. They argue that such exhibits are crucial for fostering conversations about race and injustice in America. The case raises broader questions about federal authority over cultural projects funded by taxpayer dollars and the role of politics in shaping historical narratives.
Ultimately, this decision could set a precedent for how government-funded cultural initiatives are scrutinized and controlled. It also highlights the tension between political agendas and educational priorities in interpreting history. As the legal battle continues,
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Originally published on AP News on 2/20/2026