Mar. 19, 2025, 6:54 pm ET
President Donald Trump has announced plans to pave over the historic White House Rose Garden, replacing it with a hard surface similar to the patio at his Mar-a-Lago resort. The plans, first reported in February 2025, have sparked significant controversy and criticism from historians and the public alike. The Rose Garden, a iconic space used for official events and ceremonies, has been in its current form since the Kennedy administration, with significant contributions from Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon.
The decision to overhaul the Rose Garden comes as part of a broader trend of Trump making significant changes to the White House, reflecting his personal style and preferences. Trump cited practical reasons for the change, noting the difficulty of maintaining the grass, especially when it is wet and problematic for events and press conferences. “So you’ve been here many times. You see the grass outside… So we’re going to make that into a stone surface because you can’t have it. Yesterday we had a lot of press here because for the obvious. They can’t stand on it. So we’re doing a beautiful, it’s going to be beautiful. It’s going to look, I think it’s actually going to look better. But some people would like to leave it. But the problem is you can’t,” Trump stated.
Discussions are ongoing about the materials to be used, including the possibility of installing hardwood floors for dancing. Trump has personally reviewed blueprints and met with curators to implement the changes. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the plans, stating, “The White House has not been given any tender, loving care in many decades, so President Trump is taking necessary steps in order to preserve and restore the greatness and glory of ‘the People’s House’.”
However, many have objected to Trump’s plans, citing the historical and cultural significance of the Rose Garden. There were also criticisms of Melania Trump’s previous renovation of the garden during Trump’s first term. The Rose Garden has been a site of significant historical events and has undergone various redesigns, with the most notable contributions coming from Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon during the Kennedy administration.
Trump’s proposal is part of a series of changes he has made to the White House, including adding golden figures and medallions to the Oval Office and increasing the number of portraits. The changes to the Rose Garden are expected to alter its historical and cultural significance, a space used for various official events and ceremonies. The proposal has been met with significant criticism and objection from the public and media, highlighting the controversy surrounding the changes.
The Rose Garden was originally established in 1902-1903 by First Lady Edith Roosevelt and later redesigned during the Kennedy administration. The garden has been a symbol of American history and has hosted numerous significant events. Trump’s plans to pave over the garden and replace it with a hard surface have raised concerns about the preservation of this historic space.
Trump also plans to build a new ballroom in the White House, similar to the one at Mar-a-Lago, to address the need for better event spaces. The changes are expected to be implemented in the coming months, with ongoing discussions about the materials and design. The public and media reaction to the proposed changes has been significant, with many expressing concerns about the impact on the historic and cultural value of the Rose Garden.
In addition to the Rose Garden, Trump has made several other changes to the White House, reflecting his personal style and preferences. The proposal to pave over the Rose Garden is part of a broader trend of Trump making significant changes to the historic building, which has sparked debate and controversy. The changes are expected to be completed in the coming months, with ongoing discussions about the materials and design.
The Rose Garden has been a site of significant historical events and has undergone various redesigns, with the most notable contributions coming from Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon during the Kennedy administration. The garden has been a symbol of American history and has hosted numerous significant events. Trump’s plans to pave over the garden and replace it with a hard surface have raised concerns about the preservation of this historic space.
The White House has not released specific details about the timeline for the changes, but discussions are ongoing about the materials and design. The public and media reaction to the proposed changes has been significant, with many expressing concerns about the impact on the historic and cultural value of the Rose Garden. The changes are expected to be completed in the coming months, with ongoing discussions about the materials and design.
The Rose Garden has been a site of significant historical events and has undergone various redesigns, with the most notable contributions coming from Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon during the Kennedy administration. The garden has been a symbol of American history and has hosted numerous significant events. Trump’s plans to pave over the garden and replace it with a hard surface have raised concerns about the preservation of this historic space.
Trump’s decision to overhaul the Rose Garden is part of a broader trend of making significant changes to the White House, reflecting his personal style and preferences. The changes are expected to be completed in the coming months, with ongoing discussions about the materials and design. The public and media reaction to the proposed changes has been significant, with many expressing concerns about the impact on the historic and cultural value of the Rose Garden.
Trump’s plans to pave over the Rose Garden and replace it with a hard surface have sparked significant controversy and criticism. The Rose Garden is a historic space used for official events and ceremonies, and the changes are expected to alter its historical and cultural significance. The public and media reaction to the proposed changes has been significant, with many expressing concerns about the impact on the historic and cultural value of the Rose Garden.
