President Trump Completes White House Rose Garden Concrete Redesign

President Donald Trump has ordered a significant renovation of the White House Rose Garden, transforming the iconic green space into a paved area with a large concrete slab where the lawn once stood. The redesign, expected to be completed by mid-August 2025, aims to address practical issues such as wet terrain and difficulty for women wearing high heels during press events, with Trump emphasizing that the roses will remain intact. The changes have sparked considerable public backlash, with critics denouncing the renovation as tacky and disrespectful to the garden’s historical and symbolic significance, originally redesigned by Jackie Kennedy. The Trumps and White House officials defend the project as a restoration focused on enhancing the garden's usability and guest experience while respecting its heritage. The new design reportedly draws inspiration from the patio at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, reflecting a shift toward a more hardscape and polished appearance. Despite controversy, the administration insists the Rose Garden's essence will be preserved amid the extensive alterations.