Donald Trump recently referred to the White House as a "dump," a description he once denied using for the executive residence. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump argued that the White House was in "very bad condition, both inside and out" when he inherited it, stating, "Frankly, it was a ‘dump!’ Past Presidents did not take care of it."
He also commented on his own renovations, saying, "I love renovating it during my spare time, which is not much." This statement comes nine years after reports emerged that Trump had used the same term, "dump," to describe the White House at one of his golf clubs. At the time, in 2017, he publicly denied these reports, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "I love the White House, one of the most beautiful buildings (homes) I have ever seen. But Fake News said I called it a dump - TOTALLY UNTRUE."
The journalist who reported the initial "dump" quote, Alan Shipnuck, defended his reporting at the time. Shipnuck stated that Trump made the comment to eight or nine members and staffers at his Bedminster, New Jersey, club. He identified the source as credible and suggested the remark was a moment of candor during Trump's first visit to the club after residing in the White House. Shipnuck noted that the quote had already "passed into legend" at the course.