The White House Rose Garden, a cherished symbol for many Americans, is currently undergoing a major renovation led by Donald and Melania Trump, sparking widespread backlash.
New photos show bulldozers and gravel replacing the iconic green lawn, with construction underway since June 9.
Trump justified the changes in a Fox News interview, citing safety concerns, especially for women in heels on wet, uneven ground.
Though the White House calls it a “restoration,” critics see it as erasing historical elements, including the garden’s ties to President Kennedy. Melania’s 2020 redesign also faced backlash, despite her defense of the rose plantings.
Now, the garden’s limestone border has been removed for concrete, and plans are in motion for a new ballroom and two large flagpoles on the North and South Lawns. Trump claims he’s funding the updates himself. While supporters argue the upgrades are practical, many believe they diminish the garden’s historic character.
