U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed photos of a newly renovated Lincoln Bathroom in the White House, following criticism over his decision to demolish the historical East Wing to make way for a new ballroom.
Trump shared images of the refurbished bathroom on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the project a much-needed restoration. “It was renovated in the 1940s in an Art Deco green tile style, which was totally inappropriate for the Lincoln era,” he wrote. “I did it in black and white polished statuary marble,” quoted RNZ.
The photos showcased floor-to-ceiling marble, gold-coloured plumbing fixtures, and even a chandelier over the toilet, reflecting Trump’s signature opulent style.
A White House official told The Washington Post that the renovation was privately funded, not paid for by taxpayers, though the exact cost remains undisclosed. The bathroom, attached to the Lincoln Bedroom, had remained largely untouched since President Harry Truman’s era in the 1950s.
Historians, however, noted that the renovation does not violate historical preservation norms. “Trump’s change to the bathroom is not remotely a crime against historical preservation,” said Michael F. Bishop, former director of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
In Trump’s photos, workers wearing construction helmets can be seen through the windows, a possible nod to ongoing renovations, including the construction of a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom. According to the White House, the ballroom will seat up to 650 guests and mirror the mansion’s architectural heritage.
The demolition of the East Wing to accommodate the ballroom, however, has drawn sharp criticism. Polling site YouGov reported that 40% of Americans strongly disapprove of the move, with only 24% undecided, as reported by RNZ.
Trump defended the decision, claiming the current arrangement for large events, held in outdoor marquees, was “a disaster” during bad weather.
Since the start of his second term, Trump has also made other high-profile modifications to the White House, including paving over the Rose Garden and adding gold embellishments to the Oval Office.
While supporters praise his efforts to “modernise” the presidential residence, critics argue that Trump’s touch risks overshadowing the White House’s historic charm.