WASHINGTON – President Trump has overseen the renovation of a bathroom within the area of the White House historically used by Abraham Lincoln, replacing 1940s art deco green tile with black and white marble. Trump asserted the new marble is “very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln and,in fact,could be the marble that was originally there!”
The bathroom is part of the space formerly renovated by President harry Truman in the late 1940s,encompassing Lincoln’s office and cabinet room. The White House Past Association notes the original wallpaper in Lincoln’s office and bedroom was green and gold. The remodeled bathroom now features gold fixtures and a chandelier.
This renovation follows the demolition of part of the East Wing in October to make way for a multi-million dollar ballroom, a project Trump stated would be fully funded by himself and “some friends of mine – donors.” He initially claimed the ballroom addition would not “interfere with the current building,” but later acknowledged the “existing structure” had to be torn down.
Other recent changes include paving over the rose Garden with stone in August and adding gold accents throughout the oval Office, including portraits, mirrors, and gold leaf to the presidential seal.
The changes have drawn criticism from conservation groups and political opponents. Democrats have accused trump of prioritizing renovations over addressing the ongoing government shutdown, now entering its second month and centered on a dispute over health insurance subsidies.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated on social media, “Donald trump actually cares more about his toilet than he does about fixing your healthcare.” Former President Barack Obama, speaking Saturday, highlighted Trump’s focus on projects like the Rose Garden paving, gold plating the Oval Office, and the $300 million ballroom, contrasting it with resolving the shutdown.
The BBC has contacted the White House for comment on the funding for the bathroom renovation.
