After returning to the White House for a second term following Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, the former President and First Lady Melania Trump have embarked on extensive remodeling projects inside and outside the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue residence. Notably, the historically significant Rose Garden has been transformed into a tiled seating area, sparking widespread criticism from preservationists and the public alike.
The Rose Garden, originally commissioned by President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy as an outdoor space for meetings and receptions, has long been a symbol of American history and presidential tradition. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, emphasized the garden’s importance as an outdoor room designed for social gatherings.
The decision to replace the grass with stone tiles was explained by Donald Trump in a previous interview, citing the soggy lawn and guests sinking into the soft wet ground, an issue particularly troublesome for women wearing heels. The stone chosen matches the White House’s white color and is designed to reflect heat, making the area more functional and durable.
However, recent revelations suggest a deeper motive behind the renovation. According to a source who spoke to People Magazine, the Trumps would prefer to live in Palm Beach, Florida, at Mar-a-Lago. The remodeling efforts in Washington are intended to bring Mar-a-Lago’s ambiance to the White House to make it feel more like their Florida residence.
A Mar-a-Lago club member revealed that Donald Trump personally designed much of the decor in Palm Beach, and both he and Melania are proud of its aesthetic. They evidently desire to replicate that style at the White House, creating a familiar environment when away from their preferred home.
While critics decry the alterations as disrespectful to White House history, the renovations reveal how the couple seeks to personalize the presidential residence according to their tastes and lifestyle, blending official duty with personal identity.
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