New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan, co-author of "Regime Change," described an incident where a highly classified defense briefing was interrupted by a contractor bringing stone samples for a patio being constructed at the White House.
Swan recounted the anecdote, noting that the individual appeared to have "walk-in privileges to the Oval." According to Swan, President Donald Trump then left the briefing to make phone calls related to the renovation.
Trump has been involved in numerous White House and Washington D.C. renovation projects. Last year, the Rose Garden was paved over to create a "club" similar to a patio at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Gold embellishments have been added to the Oval Office, with Swan and co-author Maggie Haberman reporting that Trump himself sometimes used super glue for these additions. Signage and gold details have also been installed outside the Oval Office.
Additionally, the East Wing underwent demolition as part of a plan to construct a $600 million ballroom, a project currently facing legal challenges. Trump has also taken a leading role in other city projects, including the renovation of the Reflecting Pool and plans for a large arch.
Swan suggested that these extensive renovations are driven by a desire to leave a "permanent, durable" mark on Washington D.C.