White House Rose Garden Bulldozed for Mar-a-Lago-Style Patio, Igniting Public Outcry

Washington, D.C. — Construction crews have begun transforming the historic White House Rose Garden into a patio reminiscent of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, setting off a firestorm of criticism and debate among historians, preservationists, and the public.

The project, which commenced on June 9, 2025, involves uprooting the garden’s grass and replacing it with a hard surface, such as gravel or limestone, to create a more functional event space. Recent images show the once-lush garden now blanketed in gravel, with ongoing work expected to last about two months. The renovation is described by White House officials as a “restoration” aimed at preserving the garden’s beauty while enhancing its utility for special events, including upgrades to audio and visual systems and the installation of two towering flagpoles on the North and South Lawns.

President Trump has defended the changes, stating that the grass was perpetually damp, posing difficulties for women wearing high heels, and that the new flagpoles—each standing 100 feet tall—are long overdue. “We’re putting up a beautiful, almost 100-foot-tall American flag on this side, and another one on the other side—top-of-the-line, paid for by Trump,” he told reporters.

Critics, however, have condemned the transformation as a betrayal of the Rose Garden’s legacy. Established in 1913 by Ellen Wilson and later redesigned by President John F. Kennedy, the garden has served as a venue for outdoor ceremonies, press conferences, and receptions for visiting dignitaries. The latest renovation is seen as the most dramatic change to the space since the Kennedy era, surpassing even the controversial updates made by former First Lady Melania Trump in 2020.

Public reaction has been swift and polarized. Social media users and historians have expressed outrage, arguing that the renovation erases decades of American history and undermines the garden’s traditional role as a symbol of presidential dignity and continuity. A petition calling for the restoration of the original design has circulated, echoing criticism that emerged after the 2020 redesign.

Despite assurances from White House Communications Director Steven Cheung that the administration is “taking essential measures to protect and restore the glory of the White House,” details about the proposed ballroom and other interior modifications remain undisclosed. The project’s completion date is uncertain, but officials estimate work could be finished by mid-August 2025.

The controversy underscores deep divisions over the balance between modernization and preservation at the nation’s most iconic residence.