Since taking office, Donald Trump has been actively making changes to the White House and other significant landmarks in Washington, D.C. Recently, he announced on Truth Social that the Trump Kennedy Center will undergo a two-year renovation starting later this year. This decision came after a thorough year-long evaluation involving contractors and art specialists. The temporary closure, as he mentioned, should expedite renovations and enhance their quality compared to if performances were to continue during the construction. As of now, specific details regarding the renovations and their costs, as well as the fate of planned performances, remain unclear.
New Icon: Trump Arch
In October, Trump revealed his plans for a new monument, dubbed the Trump Arch, which is intended to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary next year. During a fundraising dinner at the White House, he was shown three different scale models of the arch and expressed a preference for the largest version. If approved, the structure would stand at 250 feet high, surpassing the Lincoln Memorial and closely rivaling the U.S. Capitol dome. This design closely resembles Paris’ famous Arc de Triomphe and aims to welcome visitors coming from Arlington National Cemetery into the heart of the capital.
Oval Office Redecorating
Trump’s love for opulence is evident in the Oval Office, now adorned with gold accents, reflecting his personal taste. In a conversation with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, he noted that the room “needed a little bit of life.” He personally funded this extravagant decor. Trump explained that for years, attempts to create gold paint that closely resembles actual gold have failed. He added gold accents in various places, including decorative elements around the door frames.
Honoring the Past with the Presidential Walk of Fame
Outside the Oval Office, the Trump administration introduced the Presidential Walk of Fame, showcasing portraits of past presidents displayed along the West Wing colonnades. Notably, the portrait of Joe Biden is printed using an autopen, a device meant to mimic human handwriting.
In addition, large mirrors framed in gold have been installed along the walkways, further enhancing the area.
Renovated Lincoln Bathroom
Trump announced the renovation of the Lincoln bathroom, stating it didn’t reflect the style of Abraham Lincoln’s era. In a post on Truth Social, he described replacing the previously renovated Art Deco design with polished black and white statuary marble, which he considers more fitting for Lincoln’s time. However, details on the renovation costs are still pending.
New White House Ballroom
Currently underway is the construction of a new White House ballroom, covering 90,000 square feet and designed to accommodate about 650 guests. This project, announced by Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt, aims to address the lack of a formal ballroom for major commemorative events and replace the East Wing. Estimated to cost over $200 million, funding will come from Trump and private donors.
American Flags at the White House
Ahead of Independence Day, Trump financed two new 88-foot-tall flagpoles in the front and back of the White House, each costing around $50,000. The flags were officially raised on June 18.
Paved Rose Garden
On the grounds, updates to the Rose Garden include new stone paving to enhance the space for press conferences and events. This area, surrounded by magnolia and crabapple trees, has been a venue for welcoming diplomats and other ceremonies. There’s no word yet on additional renovation projects in the pipeline.
