Key Point Summary – Trump’s Rose Garden Renovation
- Yellow-and-white umbrellas match Mar-a-Lago style.
- Concrete pavers replace historic Rose Garden lawn.
- Trump cites high heels as reason for patio upgrade.
- Plans include $200M East Wing ballroom, gilded Oval Office.
- Critics call it the most dramatic change since the 1960s.
The White House Rose Garden now looks a lot more like Mar-a-Lago. After replacing the historic lawn with concrete pavers, President Donald Trump has added yellow-and-white striped umbrellas nearly identical to those at his Florida resort. The umbrellas, fixed to patio furniture, were installed this week as the latest touch in the controversial makeover.
CBS News’ Jennifer Jacobs pointed out the striking similarity to Mar-a-Lago’s poolside setup. Reports of Trump wanting the Rose Garden to mimic his Palm Beach property have circulated since February, alongside plans for a $200 million East Wing ballroom and a gilded Oval Office.
From Grass to Concrete
The revamped patio features the White House emblem around its edge. Trump praised the “very white” stone, saying it stays cooler by reflecting heat. He also defended the decision to swap grass for hardscape, claiming it prevents heels from sinking during wet conditions.
In a March interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Trump explained that events often had to be postponed because the ground stayed soggy for days. “It’s soaking wet… and the women with the high heels, it’s just too much,” he said.
Historic Garden, Historic Criticism
The redesign is the most radical change since First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and horticulturist Bunny Mellon’s 1960s overhaul, which inspired by European gardens, established its famous grassy layout. Successive first ladies made floral tweaks but left the grass intact.
Even Melania Trump’s 2020 changes — including a limestone path — drew backlash. Historian Michael Beschloss called them an “evisceration” of decades of history. Now, with the latest transformation, critics argue the White House’s most symbolic outdoor space is becoming a Mar-a-Lago clone.
