Former President Donald Trump recently stated that the White House was in a state of disrepair before his administration undertook renovations, describing it as a "dump."
In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that previous administrations had not properly maintained the building, which he claimed was in "very bad condition, both inside and out." He added, "I love renovating it during my spare time, which is not much."
Trump also commented on the exterior of the building, stating that its "skin" was "practically falling off." He credited the Department of the Interior and various contractors for doing a "fantastic job" with the renovations, which he claimed left the structure in better condition than when it was built in 1792. According to Trump, further delays in renovation would have led to the "destruction" of the White House.
These statements come amid various structural and aesthetic changes Trump pursued during his presidency, some of which drew criticism and legal challenges. These included work on the North Portico, additions of gold ornamentation in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, changes to the Rose Garden, and plans for a large ballroom. His administration also oversaw renovations to other notable structures in Washington, D.C., such as the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the Kennedy Center.