The White House Rose Garden underwent a major renovation completed on August 1, 2025, where the traditional grassy lawn was entirely replaced with a concrete patio made of diamond-shaped stone tiles matching the White House color. The iconic rose bushes around the perimeter remained intact and were not moved or harmed. This change was motivated by practical concerns such as the grass being perpetually wet and difficult for women wearing high heels to navigate during events. The renovation was financed by private donors and the Trust for the National Mall. Before the renovation, the Rose Garden was a historic green space established in 1913 by First Lady Ellen Wilson and redesigned in 1961 under President Kennedy, featuring a large lawn surrounded by flowers and trees, serving as a venue for presidential announcements, press conferences, and official ceremonies. The garden had been modified several times over the years, including changes made by Melania Trump in 2020. After the 2025 renovation, the Rose Garden now features a paved stone surface where the lawn once was, striking a stark contrast to its previous verdant appearance, while the rose bushes and garden beds around the edges were preserved. This change has sparked mixed reactions, with some appreciating the modernization and others lamenting the loss of the traditional lawn and greenery. In summary, the White House Rose Garden before the renovation was a lush grassy garden with roses and trees, and after the renovation in mid-2025, it became a mostly paved stone courtyard with the rose bushes still present along the perimeter, designed for easier use during events and press conferences without the issues posed by wet grass.
