Trump Revamps White House Rose Garden with Statues

President Donald Trump has introduced statues into the White House Rose Garden, transforming the area. This redesign includes statues of America’s founders, replacing its lush lawn with a white stone patio reminiscent of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The statues were donated or loaned by anonymous contributors. A statue of Alexander Hamilton is on display, along with new additions like a bronze Thomas Jefferson signing the Declaration of Independence. This Jefferson statue, crafted by sculptor George Lundeen from Colorado, was intended for display during America’s 250th birthday but arrived late due to security delays around Independence Day events.

Trump contacted Lundeen to express his appreciation for the sculpture, emphasizing its beauty. Lundeen’s office received a voicemail from Trump, expressing his gratitude for the piece and its placement in the Rose Garden.

Other statues include a portrayal of George Washington, loaned by Texas real estate mogul Harlan Crow, and “Freedom’s Charge,” a depiction of Revolutionary War soldiers. The Franklin and Hamilton statues remain from anonymous donors. According to White House spokesperson Davis Ingle, Trump aims to beautify the White House with these additions, continuing renovations across the grounds.

Trump expanded his statue collection beyond the White House. A Christopher Columbus statue now stands near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The National Park Service also installed Revolutionary-era statues close to the White House. Trump plans a National Garden of American Heroes near the National Mall, featuring 250 influential Americans.

At his West Palm Beach golf club, Trump displayed a 7-foot bronze of himself, donated by Anthony Constantino after a campaign rally incident in Butler, Pennsylvania. This passion for statues extends to potential new contributions from Lundeen and Barber for the garden project, despite legal challenges by preservation groups.

The White House holds a rich art collection, including the famed Gilbert Stuart Washington portrait saved during the War of 1812. Presidents regularly select art for display. Trump showcased pieces from the vaults, adding portraits and art to his offices and other areas.

First Lady Melania Trump contributed a work by Isamu Noguchi in the Rose Garden, marking the first for an Asian American artist in the collection. Previously, Michelle Obama introduced an Alma Thomas piece, acknowledging the first African American female artist in the White House art assemblage.