Trump's White House revamp: Before-and-after photos show 5 sweeping changes from gilded décor to 'Walk of Fame'

The crown jewel of Trump’s White House makeover is a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom expected to accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The project, estimated to cost around $400 million, is intended to replace the temporary tents traditionally erected for large state dinners and receptions. Trump has argued that the permanent venue will improve security, provide a more elegant setting for official functions, and bring the White House in line with other world capitals that boast grand ceremonial halls.

Trump’s signature gilded design is most evident inside the Oval Office, where gold has become the dominant theme. Ornate fireplace ornaments, gilded wall accents, decorative urns, and elaborate gold frames now surround portraits of past presidents, replacing the room's previously understated look. The redesign echoes the luxurious design seen at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago.  

Trump’s broader redesign of the executive mansion also covered the cabinet room. Gold trim now outlines the walls, complemented by decorative coverings and matching accents that create a more formal atmosphere for Cabinet meetings. The refreshed décor aligns the room with the Oval Office's gilded aesthetic, reinforcing a consistent visual identity throughout the West Wing.

Trump's makeover extends well beyond the White House interiors. The Rose Garden, designed by First Lady Jackie Kennedy, her friend decorator Bunny Mellon, and landscape architect Perry Wheeler, was paved over by the Trump administration to make the grounds more practical for official ceremonies, media events, and state functions. Once defined by its lush lawn, elegant magnolia trees, and neatly lined rosebushes, the garden now features white chairs shaded by yellow-and-white umbrellas.

Among the more distinctive additions to the White House is the installation of polished black granite along sections of the West Wing colonnade, giving the historic walkway a sleek new look while improving its durability. The revamped passageway also features a 'Walk of Fame' highlighting past US presidents. However, one display has drawn particular attention: instead of a portrait of former President Joe Biden, the administration placed an image of an autopen, a pointed reference to Trump's repeated criticism that Biden relied on the device to sign official documents.