Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade reportedly parted ways with several of his conservative colleagues on Thursday after criticizing President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled “Presidential Walk of Fame” plaques at the White House, calling the mocking descriptions of former presidents unnecessary and counterproductive.
The plaques, which line the White House Colonnade, feature pointed and sarcastic commentary about several of Trump’s predecessors, including Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. One of the most striking displays replaces Biden’s portrait with an image of an autopen device and declares him “by far, the worst President in American history.” Obama is labeled “one of the most divisive political figures in American history,” while Clinton’s plaque takes a jab by noting that his wife, Hillary Clinton, “lost the presidency to President Donald J. Trump!”
The additions were discussed during a segment on The Five, led by liberal co-host Jessica Tarlov, who condemned the plaques as “repulsive behavior” before turning to Kilmeade for his reaction. Kilmeade did not hesitate to voice his disapproval.
“No, I’m not for this at all,” Kilmeade said flatly.
While Kilmeade has long defended Trump’s policies and leadership, he argued that the plaques cross a line and could set a precedent that backfires on Republicans in the future. He warned that political opponents could one day return the favor.
“So they’re just going to mock President Trump or put something on his plaque,” Kilmeade said, suggesting that the move could invite an endless cycle of retaliation as power changes hands.
Kilmeade was particularly critical of the decision to feature an autopen beneath Biden’s entry, a clear reference to claims from some on the right that the president was not fully in control during his term. “I am not for the autopen,” Kilmeade said, making clear he viewed the move as more juvenile than substantive.
He went on to argue that if the White House was going to display presidential portraits, it should do so respectfully. “If he is going to do it, outdoors, just do it right, just put the profiles up there,” Kilmeade said. “I am not for dispelling or saying anything bad.”
The Fox host also raised a historical point, noting that presidential reputations often change over time. He cited Ulysses S. Grant as an example of a leader once widely criticized who has since been reassessed more favorably by historians.
“Plus a lot of presidents that people think were bad, like Ulysses S. Grant, ended up being looked at as great,” Kilmeade said. He added that while he personally doubts such a reevaluation will happen with Biden, he still opposes using official displays to score political points.
“I don’t think it’s going to happen with Joe Biden,” he said, “but I am not for the trolling.”
Kilmeade’s criticism was not shared by all of his co-hosts. Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld pushed back, saying they found the plaques entertaining and were less worried about decorum or long-term consequences.
The exchange highlighted a rare moment of disagreement among conservative commentators, underscoring an ongoing debate on the right over how far political messaging should go — even when it comes to cultural symbols inside the White House itself.
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