Trump Paves Over Rose Garden Lawn and Adds Gold Accents to Oval Office

Over the course of 2025, Trump undertook a series of cosmetic renovations to the White House, including paving over the grass portion of the Rose Garden with Indiana limestone tile in a design reminiscent of the patio at his Mar-a-Lago club, citing concerns about wet grass and high heels. He also added extensive gold accents throughout the Oval Office and made changes to other historic spaces, including areas near the Lincoln Bedroom.

The changes drew criticism from preservationists and historians who viewed the Rose Garden, long used for press conferences and ceremonies since the Kennedy administration, as a living landmark rather than a venue in need of a hardscape makeover. Supporters characterized the changes as practical upgrades and personal touches consistent with a president's discretion over the residence.

The renovations were separate from, though related in spirit to, the far larger East Wing demolition and ballroom project announced the same year, and were widely seen as part of a broader pattern of visible, personal-brand-driven changes to shared civic spaces during the administration.