By Eilley Wannarka

Historically, presidents of the United States contribute a personal renovation to the White House for future presidents and guests to enjoy. 

Currently, President Trump has decided to remove the Rose Garden and pave over it with a limestone walkway, which was said to improve drainage. He also plans on adding a new selection of shrubs and flowers. In 1960, Jacqueline Kennedy added a rose garden, which has been an iconic landmark of the White House since Mr. Kennedy’s presidency. 

“When we had a press conference, you’d sink into the mud. It was grass and it was very wet, always wet and damp and wet, and if it rained it would take three, four, five days to dry out, and we couldn’t use it really for the intended purpose,” Trump told reporters on August 3, USA Today reports.

Another innovation Trump has decided on is replacing the East Wing with a 90,000 square foot ballroom. The wing was formally dedicated to the First Lady’s office, the president’s theatre, and the guest entrance. The build will cost approximately 250 million dollars, which was donated by private investors. This change will almost surpass the size of the White House itself.

“Trump said on social media that the ballroom won’t cost taxpayers a dime because it is being privately funded by ‘many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly,’” PBS News reports.

Trump’s renovations drew backlash as the government shutdown enters its sixth week, the longest government shutdown in US history.

Ultimately, the renovation debate has become a proxy for larger questions about leadership, symbolism, and public priorities. “Well, the disadvantages we would say are, is it the appropriate time? Is it the appropriate place?” the current events teacher at Bellbrook High School, Perry Caldwell, said. “When we are currently in a government shutdown where maybe the focus should be on trying to resolve that issue that affects way more people than the White House.”