Camilla Jessen
Here’s the real reason.
Donald and Melania Trump have returned to the White House for a second time after his election win last year.
A Presidential Tradition
Like any presidential couple, they’ve decided to update furniture and décor at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
But this time, the renovations go far beyond simple updates.
This was reported by Newsner.
Changes to the Rose Garden
One of the most noticeable changes is to the historic Rose Garden.
Traditionally a lush green space, it has now been transformed into a tiled seating area. The transformation has sparked complaints from some observers who feel the historic garden’s character has been altered.
Kennedy’s “Outdoor Room”
Commissioned by President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, it was meant to serve as an “outdoor room,” a space for meetings, receptions, and special events, explained Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association.
Why the Rose Garden Became a Patio
Donald Trump defended the remodeling, noting practical reasons: “The grass was wet. Their heels are going through the grass, like, four inches deep,” he said.
“It’s a stone that’s the same color as the White House itself. And because it’s very white, it’s going to reflect the heat. It’s not going to be very hot, like if you had a dark stone.”
Bringing Mar-a-Lago to Washington
While the Trumps have been busy with multiple White House projects, insiders say the real motivation is personal.
According to a source speaking to People Magazine, the couple “would prefer to be in Palm Beach,” their winter retreat.
To bring a piece of their favorite home to Washington, the couple is “bringing Mar-a-Lago to the White House,” the source said.
A White House Makeover With a Palm Beach Feel
A “Mar-a-Lago club member” also shared that Donald and Melania are proud of the decor in their Palm Beach home and feel it “makes sense” to recreate similar styles at the White House.
“Anytime Melania and Donald can make the White House feel more like Mar-a-Lago, they will,” the source explained.
“They love Mar-a-Lago. Not only is it their home, but Donald personally created much of the current décor and takes pride in living there and showing it to other people.”
A $200 Million Ballroom
The most ambitious change is still to come.
Construction has begun on a roughly 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition, with Trump and private donors said to be footing the bill.
Capacity targets have already grown—from about 650 to as many as 900 guests—while officials say the structure will be stylistically consistent with the White House but physically separated from the main residence.
Preservation rules
Big changes at the White House trigger layers of review.
The National Park Service is involved in preservation work and plant relocation, with the National Capital Planning Commission slated to weigh in later in the project.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
