Trump Initiates Major White House Renovations: Rose Garden Paving and Flagpole Installations Begin

The White House has initiated construction projects under President Donald Trump’s direction to replace the Rose Garden’s grass with paving and install flagpoles on the north and south lawns. These projects are among several personal enhancements Trump has made or plans to make to the Executive Mansion and its grounds since the start of his second term in January. Additional projects include new self-portraits, gold-toned decorations in the Oval Office, and plans for a ballroom.

Work in the Rose Garden, adjacent to the Oval Office on the south grounds, commenced as reporters awaited Trump’s return via Marine One helicopter from Camp David. Photos indicate that a limestone border added by First Lady Melania Trump during a previous renovation has been partially removed, and the grass has been excavated in certain areas.

National Park Service employees, responsible for maintaining the White House grounds, began the work on Monday. A White House official, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization to discuss changes publicly, stated that the project is expected to be completed within two months, by the first half of August.

Upon arriving by helicopter, Trump approached a bulldozer on the South Lawn to begin laying the foundation for one of two flagpoles he announced in April. One flagpole will be placed on the South Lawn, and the other on the North Lawn. Trump mentioned that he is funding these “beautiful” flagpoles himself, noting that the grounds have lacked flagpoles for 200 years.

Trump previously announced his intention to pave the Rose Garden, citing the wet grass as an inconvenience for women wearing high heels. It remains unclear whether he will personally fund this project. Last week, Trump shared on social media about the planned ballroom, stating it would be a “wonderful addition” and an example of the “fun” projects he undertakes while considering global issues.