Trump Renovates White House Grounds with Rose Garden Overhaul and Luxurious East Wing Ballroom

President Trump is undertaking significant modifications to the White House grounds, including replacing the historic Rose Garden lawn with a stone patio and constructing a lavish $200 million ballroom in the East Wing. Originally designed in 1962 under First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in collaboration with horticulturalist Rachel Lambert Mellon, the Rose Garden has served as a backdrop for numerous historic events, from treaty signings to award ceremonies. Trump has expressed his desire to enhance the space outside the Oval Office, indicating that the existing roses will remain, but the lawn between them will be replaced. The redesign aims to replicate the style of his Mar-a-Lago estate, featuring a patio suitable for high-profile gatherings. Funding for the renovation comes from the Trust for the National Mall. Previously, First Lady Melania Trump added a pathway around the lawn in 2020, which sparked controversy, and earlier this summer, the grass was replaced with limestone pavers for practicality and aesthetics. Critics argue that these changes diminish the historical significance of Kennedy's vision, transforming the iconic garden into what some describe as a "parking lot" with ...