Trump hopes Rose Garden can mirror Mar-a-Lago patio where he often walks and listens to Pavarotti
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump reportedly wanted to transform the White House Rose Garden into something closer to the patio experience at Mar-a-Lago.
According to aides and associates, at Mar-a-Lago, the president is frequently seen wandering the patio with his iPad in hand, blasting music at booming levels.
Trump often blasts Pavarotti’s operatic performances at 'earsplitting volumes'
The New York Times reported that Donald Trump often takes charge of the soundtrack himself, favoring a mix that ranges from Luciano Pavarotti’s operatic performances to James Brown’s soulful hits.
Witnesses said the music was sometimes played at “earsplitting volumes,” turning the patio area into what some have jokingly referred to as Trump’s “DJ booth.”
The White House has reportedly installed lighting fixtures on the West Wing roof that shine into the garden, along with speakers that can play Trump’s eclectic playlist. The president's music choices reportedly include Billy Joel’s 'She’s Always a Woman', Elton John’s 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', and the Beatles’ 'In My Life'.
Trump, who has long sought to give the White House touches reminiscent of Mar-a-Lago, his private Florida club, has added tables shaded by yellow umbrellas and recently had sections of the garden paved with stone.
Sources said Trump has even floated the idea of laying down hardwood floors in the garden for dancing, though he insists the roses will remain intact for now.
His most ambitious plan involves the construction of a new White House ballroom — something he described as being “like I have at Mar-a-Lago.” Estimated to cost $100 million, the project is reminiscent of an idea he once pitched to advisers during Barack Obama’s presidency.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the changes, telling reporters the president is simply working to restore “the greatness and glory of the People’s House.”
Rose Garden linked to presidential legacies
The Rose Garden has long been tied to presidential history. First designed by Ellen Wilson, wife of former President Woodrow Wilson, in 1913, it has been altered by numerous first families.
Gerald Ford added a swimming pool, Barack Obama introduced a basketball court, and Michelle Obama created a food garden on the South Lawn. During Trump’s first term, Melania Trump’s redesign of the Rose Garden sparked widespread controversy, though she has not publicly commented on her husband’s most recent changes.
When asked why he had the lawn partially paved, Trump pointed to a practical concern: women’s high heels sinking into wet grass during ceremonies and press events. “It’s a rose garden. All of this stays, just the center section,” Trump told Fox News. “I think it’s going to be beautiful.”
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle even embraced the new image of the space, calling it “the Rose Garden Club.” He described it as “the hottest place to be in Washington or perhaps the world,” adding that Trump plans to host business, political, and tech leaders for a series of dinners on the newly redesigned patio.
