White House Rose Garden Redesign Sparks Debate

The White House Rose Garden, established in 1913 by Ellen Wilson, has been the site of numerous presidential events and redesigns. Its most recent renovation under President Donald Trump replaced the traditional grass lawn with a white stone patio, a change Trump defended as addressing problematic muddy conditions, especially for women in high heels. Critics have likened the new patio to a 'parking lot' and compared it to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, igniting public debate. The redesign retained rose bushes and shrubs around the edges but altered the garden’s classic appearance. The transformation is part of a broader set of updates at the White House during Trump’s term, including plans for a $200 million ballroom. The garden continues to serve as a symbolic venue for significant national and diplomatic events.