In brief
US President Donald Trump recently unveiled renovations to the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House, showcasing black and white marble finishes and gold accents, which he claims are historically appropriate. The remodeling aligns with several other significant changes the president has made to the White House, including a multi-million dollar ballroom addition that has incited criticism from both conservationists and political opponents. Critics have accused Trump of prioritizing luxury renovations over pressing governmental issues, such as a current government shutdown. Trump's team defends the renovations as privately funded and necessary for a modernized White House.
US President Donald Trump has unveiled renovations to the bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom, as his remodelling of the White House continues.
Trump shared photos of the new bathroom on social media, saying it had been renovated in the 1940s in an art deco green tile style, which was totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era.
He claimed the new black and white marble is very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln and, in fact, could be the marble that was originally there!.
This is the latest change Trump has made to the White House this year. In October, its East Wing was demolished to make way for his new multi-million dollar ballroom.
The bathroom is a part of Abraham Lincoln's office and cabinet room, which former President Harry Truman fixed up as a part of his massive renovation of the White House in the late 1940s. The wallpaper of Lincoln's office and bedroom was once coloured in green and gold, according to the White House Historical Association.
After Trump's remodelling, it now features gold fixtures and accents for the sink, bathtub faucet and shower door, as well as a chandelier. The White House said the renovation was privately funded at no cost to the taxpayer.
The US president's attempts to put his own stamp on the White House have prompted criticism from conservation groups and his political opponents. Trump previously said his ballroom addition to the East Wing would not interfere with the current building. But in October, he stated the existing structure had to be torn down.
Trump has insisted that the ballroom construction is being fully funded by him and some friends of mine - donors. Conservationists argue he should have sought public review before making the changes, which they believe overwhelm the classical style of the White House.
The White House responded to its critics, stating that unhinged leftists were clutching their pearls over President Donald J Trump's visionary addition of a grand, privately funded ballroom to the White House - a bold, necessary addition.
Other changes to the White House include the decision to pave over grass in the Rose Garden with stone and gold accents added throughout the Oval Office.
In response to his latest bathroom renovation, Democrats accused Trump of focusing more on remaking the White House than addressing critical issues like the ongoing government shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted this contrast in a social media post.
Former President Barack Obama echoed this sentiment, criticizing Trump's priorities during the shutdown, pointing out the extravagant nature of recent renovations compared to essential government issues.
