Political commentator Mikey Smith has raised concerns that President Donald Trump is transforming the White House to resemble his Florida resort, Mar a Lago. In a recent article for The Mirror, Smith critiques Trump’s focus on past conflicts from 2020 while dedicating significant time to renovations that echo his luxury property. This shift in priorities comes as Trump enters his second term, during which he has spent considerable time at Mar a Lago, often conducting official business from the golf club rather than the Oval Office.
Smith highlights Trump’s declining popularity, remarking that polls show him as the second most unpopular president in U.S. history. He notes that Trump’s actions, including the extensive renovations at the White House, reflect a desire to recreate the opulence of Mar a Lago. Smith writes, “He’s spending most of his time fighting the old wars of 2020, punishing his enemies and remodeling the White House to more closely resemble Mar a Lago.”
The renovations include updates to the East Wing and alterations to the interior decor of the White House. Smith points out that the installation of a new ballroom is part of a broader strategy to align the White House’s aesthetic with that of Trump’s resort. He observes, “Every time the Oval Office was on TV, there was a fresh gold-painted sconce or detail somewhere.”
Renovations have extended to the interior spaces as well; the art deco bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom was removed to make way for a marble design reminiscent of Trump’s style. Smith also mentions changes to the White House grounds, noting that Trump replaced the traditional rose garden with a patio similar to one at Mar a Lago, which facilitates social gatherings with Republican allies.
Concerns regarding these renovations have prompted preservation groups to file a lawsuit against Trump and other federal officials. The lawsuit seeks to prevent any modifications to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building until these changes have undergone a standard review process. As reported by The Washington Post, Judge Dabney L. Friedrich is expected to rule on the lawsuit, which claims that the General Services Administration (GSA) will not authorize any physical alterations to the Eisenhower Building before December 31, 2025.
Renovation work on other parts of the White House, including the East Wing, commenced earlier this year. The ongoing changes have sparked debates about the appropriateness of such modifications in a historically significant residence, where tradition and preservation are typically prioritized. As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of the White House’s aesthetic and its historical integrity remains uncertain.