Trump Unveils ‘Very White’ Rose Garden Overhaul at White House
Trump Unveils ‘Very White’ Rose Garden Overhaul at White House
Monday, August 4, 2025
ENS Global Desk | Washington, D.C.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a dramatic new look for the historic White House Rose Garden—paving over the lush lawn with a pale, stone-covered terrace in what he described as a “very white” redesign.
The makeover has removed the signature green from the garden, replacing it with a light-stone plaza said to be inspired by the aesthetics of Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
According to sources close to the project, Trump personally oversaw the design and insisted on the full paving to address long-standing issues with soggy grounds that “ruin shoes and heels,” especially during official gatherings.
Function Over Tradition?
The redesign has sparked mixed reactions from political observers and historians, with some praising the functional upgrade for modern event needs, while others decry the erasure of a cherished symbol of presidential tradition.
The Kennedy-era garden had long served as a backdrop for diplomatic ceremonies, press briefings, and seasonal photo opportunities. The new flat surface is expected to support furniture placement, camera rigs, and larger audience setups for official addresses.
Critics, however, have likened the overhaul to a “stone plaza” or “event parking lot,” accusing Trump of diminishing the garden’s historical and symbolic value. “It’s sterile,” one architecture analyst noted, “and deeply disconnected from the garden’s original vision.”
This isn’t the first change under Trump’s vision. A 2020 redesign during his presidency, led by then-First Lady Melania Trump, had already altered the layout and walkways. The current hardscape update, however, marks the most extensive transformation in decades.
In a related announcement, Trump also confirmed plans for a $200 million ballroom construction in the East Wing, intended to host formal state events and large-scale indoor ceremonies—further cementing his legacy of aesthetic reinvention at the White House.
“It’s about function, beauty, and presidential presence,” a Trump spokesperson said. “The Rose Garden will now match the prestige of the American presidency.”
