It was always likely that Donald Trump would put his own stamp on the White House when he returned to office last year, but few people anticipated just how far the makeover would go…
Reinstalling his well-known Diet Coke button in the Oval Office and clearing out reminders of predecessor Joe Biden was one thing. But the alterations that have followed are on a much larger scale — and far harder to ignore.
One of the latest and most talked-about additions is a huge UFC-style cage built on the South Lawn, intended for an event tied to celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.
The structure is reportedly priced at a staggering $60,000,000, and the reaction online has been overwhelmingly negative.
One critic said about it: “Trump has literally turned the White House into a circus!”
“This is grotesque,” added another.
The good news for those who hate it is that the setup is temporary and is expected to be removed after the ‘UFC Freedom 250’ event on June 14. Other upgrades already completed — or still underway — are much more permanent.
At the center of those plans is a ballroom Trump has long wanted, reportedly costing $400,000,000. It’s being built where the East Wing previously stood and, according to reports, is being paid for by Trump alongside additional donors. Earlier estimates had placed the cost at $200,000,000, but projections have since doubled.
That project hit a major obstacle after the administration sought $1 billion in federal funding, describing it as necessary for security enhancements tied to the East Wing overhaul within a broader immigration enforcement bill.
Because that money would have come from taxpayers, the request sparked backlash — and it was ultimately stopped by the Senate parliamentarian.
Critics argued ordinary Americans shouldn’t be left paying for Trump’s ‘Louis XIV-style ballroom’.
The shake-up doesn’t stop at construction. A hallway often referred to as ‘The Presidential Walk of Fame’ — lined with portraits of former commanders-in-chief — has also been reworked.
Joe Biden’s portrait has reportedly been removed. In its place, there is said to be a photo of an autopen signing the former president’s name, referencing allegations that Biden relied on one to sign documents due to reports about cognitive decline.
Elsewhere along the corridor, additional plaques have been added beneath portraits, describing Trump’s views of past presidents — commentary that many say is unnecessary.
Outside, the Rose Garden has reportedly been altered in a way that surprised many: its lawn was paved over last August.
According to The New York Times, the change was made to make the area easier to walk through without guests damaging their shoes.
The rose bushes were kept in place, though speakers were reportedly installed among them.
Even the Cabinet Room — where the president gathers with senior advisors — has been given a dramatic refresh.
Previously, it leaned toward a restrained, traditional look. Photos from Barack Obama’s time in office show a relatively plain space: off-white walls, muted curtains, a single artwork, a couple of flags, and understated light fixtures.
Those simpler lights are now gone, replaced by three large chandeliers that critics have described as flashy.
And in a move consistent with other changes around the building, additional flags have been positioned behind where Trump sits.