Donald Trump has been busy putting his stamp on the place since returning to the White House in January. One of the biggest changes so far has been the Rose Garden. NPR reports that what had been one of the most iconic lawns in Washington is now a stone patio, and the look is straight out of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.
According to the outlet, the US President said the decision was not about style alone. He had argued earlier that the grass had become a problem for guests in heels.
Speaking to The Spectator earlier this year, Trump said: “The grass was wet. Their heels are going through the grass, like, four inches deep.”
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History of the White House Rose Garden
The Rose Garden has always been a showpiece, but it has not always looked the same, as per the NPR. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy worked with designer Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon to revamp the original layout in the early 1960s. Their vision transformed it from a basic garden into a formal outdoor room for meetings, ceremonies, and receptions.
Over time, the roses struggled in poor light and drainage. By 2020, only a dozen of the original bushes remained. Melania Trump spearheaded a restoration that year, funded by private donations, to revive the Kennedy-Mellon design. She added 200 roses and formal plantings. At first, critics thought her changes looked too stark, but the flowers matured and the space came back to life, NPR reported.
Now, under Trump’s second term, the lawn is gone altogether – though the flowers remain. The renovation of the space has come at a cost of $1.9 million, as per the outlet.
Also read: Construction of $200M White House ballroom begins as part of Trump’s latest makeover
Rose Garden reimagined under Trump’s presidency
The Rose Garden has hosted everything from press conferences to viral moments, like when 11-year-old Frank Giaccio mowed the White House lawn during Trump’s first term. That grassy backdrop is history now.
Trump, who personally drove this makeover, has added his own touches beyond the paving stones. A new speaker system allows him to play DJ from his iPad, just as he does at Mar-a-Lago. Patio tables with yellow-and-white striped umbrellas now dot the area, echoing the Beach Club vibe of his Florida estate, reports NPR. A visual of the space was shared by Margo Martin, the Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor, on X (formerly known as Twitter).
White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin told NPR that changes like these tend to cause controversy at first but often end up woven into the fabric of the presidency.
FAQs
What is the architectural style of Mar-a-Lago?
Mar-a-Lago was built in the Mediterranean Revival style with Spanish, Moorish, and Venetian influences.
What is the Rose Garden strategy?
The Rose Garden strategy is when a president uses the White House Rose Garden for events to project leadership while avoiding travel.
What is so special about Mar-a-Lago?
Mar-a-Lago is a historic Palm Beach estate that serves as Donald Trump’s residence and private club, known for its luxury and political significance.
Did Jackie Kennedy redesign the Rose Garden?
Yes, Jackie Kennedy helped redesign the Rose Garden in the 1960s with gardener Bunny Mellon.
