The $1.9 Million Makeover: 5 Shocking Facts About Donald Trump's Controversial White House Rose Garden Redesign

The White House Rose Garden, a symbol of presidential history and diplomacy, underwent one of its most dramatic and controversial transformations in modern history under the Trump administration in 2020. On this day, December 10, 2025, the garden's appearance still largely reflects the significant changes initiated by First Lady Melania Trump, a project that sparked immediate public outcry and a lasting debate over the preservation of national landmarks. The redesign, completed in a mere three weeks, replaced historic plantings and a central lawn with a new, paved aesthetic, fundamentally altering the space used for major presidential addresses and ceremonies. The nearly $2 million renovation, which was privately funded, aimed to improve the garden's functionality for televised events, but critics argued it stripped the iconic space of its historical charm and horticultural heritage, drawing comparisons to the style of the Trump family’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The controversy centered on the removal of plants and trees that had been part of the garden for decades, connecting the space to past presidencies, most notably that of John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy.

The Controversial Timeline and Key Figures Behind the 2020 Rose Garden Renovation

The White House Rose Garden, situated immediately adjacent to the Oval Office, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, but its most recognized design was established in 1962 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The 2020 "refresh," as the Trump administration termed it, was a definitive departure from this mid-century vision. The project was officially announced in July 2020 and was spearheaded by First Lady Melania Trump. The design itself was a collaboration between two premier landscape architecture firms: Perry Guillot, Inc. and Oehme, van Sweden & Associates (OvS). The restoration committee was led by David Vela, then the acting director of the National Park Service. Here is a breakdown of the key elements of the controversial renovation:

• Project Initiation: July 2020, led by First Lady Melania Trump.
• Completion Date: August 2020 (approximately three weeks).
• Estimated Cost: Nearly $2 million (or $1.9 million), covered by private donations.
• Design Firms: Perry Guillot, Inc. and Oehme, van Sweden & Associates (OvS).
• Stated Goal: To improve practical use, drainage, and technology infrastructure for presidential events.

The quick turnaround and the timing of the announcement—amidst a global pandemic and a contentious election year—only amplified the public's scrutiny of the project.

The Great Rose Garden Uprooting: What Was Removed and What Was Planted?

The most significant source of public and media outrage was the removal of historic plants and trees that tied the garden to its legacy. Critics lamented that the renovation "cut down Jackie's trees."

Historic Elements Removed

The Trump redesign focused on creating a more uniform, neutral palette, which meant the removal of several colorful and historic plantings. The most notable removals included:

• Crabapple Trees: Ten large, mature crabapple trees that bordered the garden's perimeter were removed. These trees were central to the 1962 Jacqueline Kennedy design and provided a crucial vertical element and shade.
• Vintage Roses: Numerous rose bushes, including the multi-colored varieties and those dating back to the Perry Wheeler era, were pulled out. These included the beloved, historic 'Queen Elizabeth' and 'King's Ransom' roses.
• The Central Lawn: The iconic, manicured grass lawn in the center of the garden was completely replaced.

New Design and Plantings

The new design introduced a more structured, paved look, intended to accommodate larger crowds and television cameras more easily. The replacements and additions included:

• Stone Patio: The central grass lawn was replaced with a new, paved walkway using light-colored, diamond-patterned stone pavers. This element was heavily criticized for making the garden look like a "concrete courtyard" or a patio inspired by the president's Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago.
• New Rose Varieties: The new plantings favored a predominantly white and cream color scheme to create a more neutral backdrop for television. New roses included the low-maintenance, ever-blooming 'Knock Out' roses and the highly fragrant white 'Pope John Paul II' roses.
• Boxwood Hedges: New boxwood hedges were installed to define the beds, restoring a more formal, European-style aesthetic.

The Lasting Legacy: The Current State of the Rose Garden in 2025

Despite the change in administration, the current appearance of the White House Rose Garden remains a reflection of the 2020 Melania Trump renovation. The Biden administration has not initiated any major, publicly announced projects to reverse the changes.

The Debate Over Historical Integrity

The controversy continues to simmer, with the garden serving as a focal point for the broader debate on presidential legacy and the stewardship of national heritage. * Restoration Calls: Since 2021, there have been vocal calls from restorationists and garden enthusiasts urging First Lady Jill Biden to "erase Melania Trump's Rose Garden" and restore the space to the classic Jacqueline Kennedy design. * Practicality vs. Aesthetics: The new design did achieve its goal of creating a more functional space for events. The paved center provides a stable, level surface for staging and seating, which was immediately utilized by President Trump for a major speech during the 2020 Republican National Convention. However, the loss of the mature trees and the softer lawn has been deemed an aesthetic failure by many. * The Mar-a-Lago Comparison: The use of large, white stone pavers and the addition of patio furniture and umbrellas led to the persistent criticism that the space was less of a historic garden and more of a "Rose Garden Club," echoing the style of the Trump family's private properties. The decision to replace a living, historic lawn with a permanent stone patio is arguably the most enduring change, making any future restoration to the 1962 design a significant undertaking. The Rose Garden, in its current 2025 iteration, stands as a powerful and, for many, painful reminder of the Trump administration's willingness to dramatically reshape historical norms and spaces to fit a modern, event-focused agenda.