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Trump reveals Lincoln Bedroom bathroom redesign in ongoing White House renovations
U.S. President Donald Trump showcased the newly renovated bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom on Sunday, marking the latest in a series of controversial modifications to the White House. The redesign replaces 1940s-era Art Deco green tiles with black-and-white marble, which Trump claims aligns with Abraham Lincoln's era and "could be the marble that was originally there."
Renovation details and historical context
The bathroom, part of Lincoln's former office and cabinet room, now features gold fixtures, accents, and a chandelier. The White House Historical Association notes the original wallpaper in Lincoln's office and bedroom was green and gold, though the latest changes extend beyond historical restoration. The renovation was privately funded, according to the White House, with no taxpayer expense.
Trump's overhaul follows a broader pattern: in October, the East Wing was demolished to accommodate a multi-million-dollar ballroom, also privately funded. Critics, including conservation groups, argue the changes lack public review and disrupt the White House's classical architecture. The administration dismissed objections, calling detractors "unhinged leftists" and defending the ballroom as a "bold, necessary addition."
Political backlash and shutdown parallels
Democrats seized on the renovation to criticize Trump's priorities amid the ongoing government shutdown, now in its second month. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of caring "more about his toilet than fixing your healthcare," referencing stalled negotiations over health insurance subsidies. Former President Barack Obama echoed the sentiment at a Saturday event, mocking Trump's focus on "paving over the Rose Garden" and "gold-plating the Oval Office" instead of resolving the shutdown.
"If you can't visit a doctor, don't worry. He will save you a dance," Obama quipped, alluding to the $300 million ballroom project.
Broader White House transformations
Trump's renovations extend beyond the Lincoln Bedroom. In August, the Rose Garden's grass was replaced with stone, converting the lawn into a patio. The Oval Office now includes gilded gold accents-portraits, mirrors, and a gold-leaf presidential seal on the ceiling. Critics argue these changes prioritize aesthetics over governance, while supporters praise Trump's "visionary" updates to the historic residence.
Funding and accountability questions
The White House insists all renovations are privately funded, though details about donors remain undisclosed. Conservationists continue to push for transparency, arguing that alterations to a national landmark warrant public input. The debate underscores broader tensions between Trump's personal imprint on the presidency and institutional norms.
