From roses to stone and statues: Trump's makeover of White House Rose Garden

Donald Trump is transforming the White House grounds, shifting the Rose Garden from a lush area of roses to one featuring a white stone patio and statues of significant American figures. The latest addition is a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, donated by Colorado sculptor George Lundeen. The garden now includes statues of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and a 14-foot sculpture titled "Freedom’s Charge."

Some of the statues were donated, while others are on loan from anonymous donors. Lundeen expressed his hope that the Jefferson sculpture could be displayed during celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence. Despite arriving late, Trump decided to place it in the Rose Garden, citing the statue's significance in depicting Thomas Jefferson during the time of the Declaration of Independence's writing.

Trump's alterations to the Rose Garden are part of an extensive renovation and construction program at the White House. The president has extensively renovated the Oval Office and is overseeing the construction of a ballroom and helipad on the southern grounds. The administration is also pursuing projects beyond the White House, such as a proposed National Garden of American Heroes near the National Mall.

This proposed garden would feature statues of 250 Americans. However, several preservation and cultural heritage groups have challenged the project in court.

Trump's White House administration has defended these renovations as "long-overdue and necessary," asserting that the president's efforts will ensure the complex is "properly glorified" and remains in excellent condition for future generations.