The timeline on the White House’s official website, highlighting “major events,” has sparked widespread controversy and skepticism, reflecting a very selective history. Since Donald Trump’s second term, the White House has undergone notable physical changes, including the demolition of the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom — a project that has raised concerns over its timing and motives.
This renovation, along with other construction updates, has been met with criticism over perceived erasure of history, prompting the Trump administration to add a timeline of pivotal moments in the White House’s history. Interestingly, this timeline starts with the site’s selection by George Washington in 1791 and culminates with the current renovations, presenting a narrative that arguably omits significant recent events.
For instance, the timeline includes the “Bill Clinton Scandal,” referencing the president’s impeachment, yet notably excludes Trump’s two impeachment episodes—despite him being the only U.S. president impeached twice. Another entry labeled “Muslim Brotherhood Visit” features a photo of Barack Obama in Somali dress, dating back to 2006 during a Kenya visit, rather than any White House event.
Furthermore, the timeline skips major incidents from Trump’s first term in office, except for a brief mention of a privately funded White House tennis court and the discovery of cocaine in the West Wing in 2023. The cocaine episode, which drew national attention, endures speculation over the owner, with Trump himself suggesting Hunter Biden or Joe Biden as possibilities. Hunter Biden, who has spoken openly about past substance issues, denies any connection.
One particularly contentious entry is the mention of Trans Day of Visibility, pushed into 2021, with some critics pointing out the misused and outdated term “transsexuals” on the website. The inclusion of this event has elicited strong reactions online, from accusations of partisanship to disbelief over its appearance on such an official platform.
Public reactions on social media highlight a mixture of incredulousness and outrage. Some describe the website’s revisions as a “disgrace,” others argue it’s a partisan rewrite of history, replacing decades of unfiltered truth with a sanitized, politically motivated narrative.
History also notes that Trump’s first impeachment in 2019 was for abuse of power related to Ukraine, and his second, in January 2021, was for “incitement of insurrection” following the Capitol attack. Yet, neither of these critical events appears in the White House timeline, raising questions about the transparency and intent behind this curated history.
Overall, the White House’s “major events” timeline has become a flashpoint for debate over historical accuracy, political bias, and how a nation’s history should be represented—especially when it involves its most contentious and recent episodes.
