President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a deep interest and self-proclaimed expertise in grass, often discussing his knowledge of turf management in public forums. Over the past 18 months, Trump has mentioned grass in at least 45 public events or interviews, averaging more than once every 12 days, according to an analysis of his public statements. This fixation appears rooted in his decades as a real estate developer and his ownership of numerous golf courses.
Trump's comments on grass span a wide range of events, from signing executive orders to pardoning turkeys and addressing international forums. He has used these occasions to assert his knowledge, stating, "I know a lot about grass because I own a lot of golf courses," and "I’m very good at grass."
His interactions with lawn care experts also highlight this interest. Matt Koch, a lawn research fellow for Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, met with Trump to discuss planting new grass on the White House’s South Lawn. Koch described their conversation as an "amazing dialogue," where they discussed grass for half an hour, leading Koch to consider Trump an "honorary grass nerd."
Trump's focus on grass is particularly evident in his efforts to beautify Washington D.C. He has detailed plans to renovate parks and monuments, aiming for a high aesthetic standard for green spaces. This beautification initiative sometimes positions him as more of a local official than a national leader.
Ironically, Trump has also cited grass as a reason for altering existing landscapes. He has defended decisions to pave over grassy areas, such as the lawn near the White House's Rose Garden, by stating the grass was impractical. He has also recounted complaints from women whose high heels became stuck in the mud of the old, grassy Rose Garden, suggesting the changes were made for their convenience.
More recently, the construction of a helicopter landing pad on the South Lawn, intended for a new fleet of Marine One helicopters, resulted in large sections of grass being replaced by dirt. Trump explained that the helicopters' rotors tore up the previous sod, causing grass to be displaced. Scotts Miracle-Gro has been involved in restoring the South Lawn, donating resources and collaborating with Trump on selecting a custom turfgrass blend.
Trump's passion for golf further fuels his interest in grass. Experts note that golfers often appreciate the varied challenges and aesthetics of different courses. Trump has compared the desired appearance of Washington's parks to Augusta National, the home of the Masters Tournament, known for its immaculate grounds, and even to his own Trump National Golf Club, suggesting an even higher standard.
This detailed attention to grass management is consistent with Trump's background in construction and his personal appreciation for manicured landscapes, particularly those found on high-end golf courses.