Rose Garden Renovations Spark Backlash During Trump’s Second Term

Amid Donald Trump’s second presidency, renovations to the historic White House Rose Garden have sparked significant public outcry. Started on June 9, the changes have left the iconic space nearly unrecognizable.

Trump, alongside First Lady Melania Trump, cited safety concerns for the updates. “The terrain can be wet… women, with high heels, it just didn’t work,” Trump explained, noting the space was ill-suited for press conferences.

Photos shared online reveal the grass center of the Rose Garden has been replaced with gravel and surrounded by construction equipment. Only the original hedges remain.

A White House official framed the renovation as a “restoration” to enhance both functionality and tradition. However, critics on social media saw it differently, calling it an unnecessary and damaging alteration to an American landmark.

“To remove Kennedy’s Rose Garden is removing a piece of our White House history,” one user posted on X. Others expressed disbelief, calling the project “crazy.”

This isn’t the first controversy surrounding Rose Garden changes. In 2020, Melania Trump faced backlash for her redesign and defended it by emphasizing the need for modern updates.

Further changes to the White House are reportedly in progress, including a new ballroom and two large flagpoles—one for each lawn. Trump claimed he is personally funding the updates, stating, “They’ve needed flagpoles for 200 years.”

On June 18, Trump was seen near the garden, actively overseeing the renovations and speaking with construction workers. Critics remain vocal, questioning the alterations’ necessity and legacy impact.