President Donald Trump has revealed a significant overhaul of the White House Rose Garden, transforming the historic green space into a white stone patio. The redesign has drawn both praise and criticism, with Trump emphasizing its functional improvements and visual alignment with the White House architecture.
During an August 3 press briefing, Trump defended the renovation, explaining that the grassy lawn often became unusable due to poor drainage. “When we had a press conference, you’d sink into the mud,” he said. “It was grass and it was very wet, always wet and damp… if it rained it would take days to dry out.”
The new design replaces the central lawn with a stone surface designed for year-round usability and improved drainage. The white stone, which matches the White House exterior, is also intended to reflect heat and reduce surface temperature during events. Rose bushes and other plantings have been retained around the perimeter.
The project, funded by the Trust for the National Mall—a nonpartisan nonprofit that has supported over $75 million in National Park Service restoration projects—has not had its total cost disclosed. The White House has described the upgrade as necessary for hosting outdoor events more effectively.
In addition to the Rose Garden renovation, Trump recently announced plans to construct a $200 million ballroom on the east side of the mansion. He stated that the project, scheduled to begin in September, would be funded through personal contributions and private donations.
Earlier this year, the president also made changes to the Oval Office, adding gold embroidery, and installed two tall flagpoles on the White House’s north and south lawns.
Trump insists the changes have been well-received: “We’re getting great reviews of the Rose Garden… it’s a beautiful white stone and it’s going to make a big difference.”