Trump replaces 'old, broken' slate floor on Oval Office walkway with polished granite

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Saturday, May 16, shared new images of a polished granite walkway leading to the Oval Office, while once again criticizing the condition of the White House when he returned for his second term last year.

Posting on Truth Social, the Republican leader showed side-by-side images of the old slate flooring and the newly renovated granite path connecting the White House to the Oval Office.

Trump says White House was falling apart when he returned

The president described the previous flooring as damaged and outdated while praising the upgraded look of the new installation.

“The old, broken, slate floor on the Walkway going to the Oval Office from the White House,” Trump wrote alongside one image.

He then shared another photo captioned, “The new granite floor replacing the old slate going to the Oval!”

Trump’s latest renovation update comes days after he made unusual remarks about the physical condition of the White House during an event honoring law enforcement officials. 

While speaking at the White House earlier this week, Trump claimed parts of the historic building had deteriorated badly before his return to office.

According to the 79-year-old, the executive residence had been poorly maintained and required significant repairs and modernization work.

“This place was not properly taken care of,” Trump said during the event.

He also claimed parts of the structure were literally falling apart when he returned to the White House. 

“The columns were falling down. The plaster was falling off,” he remarked, adding that even the paint was in rough shape. 

Trump says he personally paid for new White House stonework

Trump framed the renovations as part of a larger effort to modernize and restore the White House while preserving the historic property for future administrations.

He said he had spent considerable time focusing on repairs and improvements across the residence. Trump also claimed that some of the upgrades, including the new stonework, had been personally funded.

“I spent a lot of time on bringing this house back, because this house was in very bad shape,” Trump said.

He stressed that the White House should remain “incredible” and “pristine,” given its importance as the official residence of the president of the US.

Touting the latest renovation work, Trump noted, “All the brand-new beautiful new stone; I paid for it myself.”

Trump ties renovations to larger White House modernization plans

Trump has repeatedly defended ongoing renovation and modernization efforts at the White House in recent months.

Along with smaller upgrades like the new granite flooring, the administration has also discussed projects tied to security improvements and plans involving the East Wing and a ballroom project.

He argued that maintaining the White House is necessary because of the building’s age and historical significance. Built more than two centuries ago, the residence routinely undergoes repairs and restoration work across administrations.

“This place is tippy-top now,” Trump said while discussing his renovation efforts.