Trump's Rose Garden Renovation Sparks Backlash

President Donald Trump has ordered a controversial renovation of the White House Rose Garden, replacing its iconic grass and floral borders with pavement and installing nearly 100-foot-tall flagpoles. The project, managed by the National Park Service and expected to finish by August, is defended by Trump and White House officials as necessary for safety and accessibility, particularly during high-profile events. However, the move has faced fierce criticism from historians, preservationists, and the public, who argue it erases decades of White House heritage and undermines the garden's symbolic significance since the Kennedy era. Concerns have also been raised about the transparency of the renovation process, particularly regarding funding sources and oversight. Images of bulldozers and gravel replacing the garden have fueled widespread backlash on social media, despite official assurances that some original features will remain. Many critics see the changes as reflecting Trump's personal style and approach to presidential stewardship.