Trump turns to White House columns for next construction project
Column Restoration Takes Center Stage at the White House Under Trump’s Direction
Trump turns to White House columns – Significant scaffolding now envelops the North Portico of the White House, draped with fabric bearing images of the historic columns. This extensive covering has been erected over recent days as construction crews work diligently to rehabilitate the exterior pillars at President Donald Trump’s behest. The ongoing updates represent yet another chapter in a series of building initiatives that the president—before his political career, a seasoned real estate developer—has championed throughout his time in office, both within the White House walls and across the District of Columbia.
A Timeline of Construction Activity
The column restoration project gained visibility when Trump spent approximately six minutes examining the work as his motorcade made its way back from Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. Since then, a steady stream of activity has been documented by observers. Workers were first spotted on June 9 carefully stripping layers of paint from the elegant Ionic columns and the surrounding plasterwork. Just three weeks later, on June 29, a laborer operating from a lift carefully removed the enormous lantern positioned beneath the White House overhang, placing its components into a storage box for safekeeping.
By this week, television reporters conducting live broadcasts found themselves standing before a White House completely encrusted in scaffolding, with loud bangs echoing from the continuous construction work below. By Thursday afternoon, the crew had installed a fresh drape over the scaffolding structure, featuring a printed image of the columns themselves. A White House official characterized the undertaking as “standard restoration work” focused on “stone repair in the columns.”
Trump’s Personal Commentary on the Project
The president took to the Rose Garden on Monday to address a gathering of supporters about the visible changes. “We’ve taken about 150 years of paint off of the columns, and re-did them,” Trump told the crowd, asking if anyone had noticed the scaffolding. He then turned his attention to his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, questioning whether the previous administration had recognized any issues with the columns.
“Do you think he walked in the office and said, ‘I don’t like the shape of the columns’? I don’t think so, Biden. I don’t like the shape of the columns — he didn’t notice things like that.”
As of this writing, the White House has not yet responded to CNN’s inquiry regarding whether more substantial modifications to the North Portico are planned.
Interior Secretary Weighs In
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose department holds responsibility for White House renovation and restoration efforts, praised the project’s progress. He attributed the new effort to Trump’s “attention to detail and the understanding to get it done.” Burgum explained during a recent appearance on “The Katie Miller Podcast” that the president has a keen eye for even minor imperfections.
“He sees door dings in the pillars and says, ‘Look at all this stuff. It needs to be repaired,'” Burgum said.
When asked about the project’s timeline, Burgum expressed confidence in the crew’s efficiency. “It’ll go very quickly. I think they’ve been up, maybe, just about 10 days now, but these guys work very quick.”
Part of a Broader Renovation Vision
Trump’s White House transformation efforts began with gilding the Oval Office, followed by modifications to the Roosevelt Room and Cabinet Room. He subsequently paved the Rose Garden and demolished the East Wing to create space for a sprawling ballroom. On Wednesday, he unveiled new signage on the exterior of the Palm Room, sharing a photograph on social media.
“The newly revamped West Wing of the White House, including signage and renovated walls, maple trees, and plantings!” the president wrote on Truth Social, sharing an image of “The West Wing” sign written in a shiny gold script.
These ongoing projects reflect Trump’s continued commitment to reshaping the presidential residence according to his vision, combining his real estate expertise with his desire to leave a lasting mark on the iconic building.