Walt Disney World’s Hall of Presidents has quietly reopened, and it didn’t take long for visitors to spot the major update: a redesigned animatronic of President Donald Trump. Following his re-election and second inauguration in January 2025, Trump’s figure was moved back to the center of the stage, the spot traditionally reserved for the sitting president. The attraction, located in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, had been closed since January 20 for refurbishment. When it reopened on June 29 without any formal announcement, parkgoers noticed that Trump’s animatronic had received a significant makeover, addressing years of criticism surrounding its original 2017 debut, which many believed looked more like Hillary Clinton than Trump himself.
Donald Trump animatronic overhaul: From Clinton controversy to facial fix
When Trump’s figure was first unveiled in 2017, it was met with widespread confusion and ridicule. Many guests and social media users claimed the animatronic looked oddly like Hillary Clinton, sparking rumors that Disney had initially prepared for a Clinton victory. The updated 2025 version seems to put those claims to rest. Dressed in a blue suit, striped tie, and American flag lapel pin, the new animatronic features a facial structure far more accurate to Trump’s real-life appearance. With Trump back at the center of the stage, his new likeness marks a visual reset that better reflects the current presidency and silences much of the past speculation.
A shorter speech, a quieter role
Traditionally, every U.S. president since Bill Clinton has recorded a voice segment for the Hall of Presidents. In 2017, Trump’s animatronic speech included both the oath of office and a brief speech. However, in the 2025 update, his voice recording has been reduced to just the oath, following the same approach used for Joe Biden’s figure in 2021. The move signals a quieter tone for the show and keeps the focus on the ceremonial rather than the political. While the speaking role has been scaled back, the updated animatronic still commands attention through its central placement and refined design.
A golden mix-up at Disneyland adds to the drama
Trump also stirred conversation earlier this year at Disneyland in California, during the park’s 70th anniversary celebrations. A golden statue meant to resemble Walt Disney alongside Mickey Mouse drew online attention for its resemblance to Trump. Shortly after the comparisons went viral, the figure disappeared, only to return later with subtle adjustments, including a flatter hairstyle that better matched Walt’s original look. Though Disney offered no official explanation, the quiet revision echoed the company’s careful balancing act between public perception and creative intent, much like the changes made to the Trump animatronic in Florida.
Image: Matt Desmond
With these updates, Disney continues to fine-tune how history and modern politics are reflected in its attractions, and the Trump figure, once a source of ridicule, is finally more recognizable as the man it is meant to portray.
