President Trump is reportedly taking credit for rescuing the White House from what he describes as decades of neglect, declaring that the historic building was in a state of disrepair before he launched a sweeping renovation effort during his second term.
The president shared his assessment Sunday night while posting before-and-after photos showcasing restoration work at the executive mansion, part of an ambitious overhaul that has reshaped much of the complex.
“The White House was in very bad condition, both inside and out. Frankly, it was a ‘dump!’ Past Presidents did not take care of it. I love renovating it during my spare time, which is not much,” Trump wrote on social media.
He went on to praise the Department of the Interior and the contractors working on the project, saying they were doing a fantastic job restoring the building.
Trump didn’t hold back in describing just how far the structure had fallen into disrepair, claiming the exterior of the building was practically falling apart before his intervention.
“The exterior ‘skin’ of the Building was practically falling off! It is now in better shape than when built in 1792. Such an Honor to have the privilege of saving this Great Structure! More time without renovation would have destroyed our beloved White House!” he added.
The renovation claims are part of a much larger transformation effort that has become a signature project of Trump’s second term. Among the most notable changes has been the demolition of the entire East Wing to clear space for construction of a new ballroom. Trump has insisted the ballroom project is being funded through contributions from himself and private donors rather than taxpayer dollars, describing it as a gift to the country.
The president’s renovation push has also extended to the grounds surrounding the mansion. Over the past year, Trump paved over the historic Rose Garden, a space that had been established back in 1913 by Ellen Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson.
Trump’s characterization of the White House’s condition before his arrival, along with his framing of the ongoing work as a rescue mission for a national landmark, continues a pattern of the president publicly documenting and promoting the physical changes he has made to the historic residence since returning to office. The before-and-after photos he shared Sunday are the latest in a series of similar posts highlighting the transformation of the building and its grounds under his direction.
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