People have been left utterly outraged after United States President and First Lady, Donald and Melania Trump's 'deplorable' redesign of the beloved White House Rose Garden was revealed.
The historic Kennedy-era green space now looks completely unrecognisable in new photos released earlier this week (22 July) following the Trumps' controversial 'restoration' makeover.
The White House Rose Garden was established in 1913 by then-First Lady Ellen Wilson, the wife of President Woodrow Wilson. It was famously redesigned by Jackie Kennedy during her husband John F. Kennedy's presidency in the early 60s.
However, what was once a lush oasis of greenery and roses has now been totally covered up with a large concrete slab.
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Back in March, Trump explained the reasoning behind his decision to lay down concrete in the space, claiming that the grass posed a problem for press conferences and garden events.
In the same interview, the 79-year-old noted that women's heels could sink into the ground.
"You know, we use [the Rose Garden] for press conferences, and it doesn’t work because the people fall," Trump told Fox News. "The terrain can be wet, and the soft ground can be an issue for some... Women, with the high heels, it just didn’t work."
Such renovations commenced last month, with a White House official previously assuring PEOPLE that Trump and Melania 'have deep respect for the history of the White House and for the Rose Garden'.
"This restoration to the Rose Garden preserves the beauty of the space and builds on the work done in 2020," the official said. "With a focus on enhancing practical use and guest experience for those attending special events."
After catching light of the latest news, people couldn't help but rush to social media to call out the 'tacky' redesign.
One Instagram user slammed: "Tacky and tasteless… the Trump aesthetic."
"Tacky!" echoed a second. "I hope the next administration rips that concrete out and puts back Jackie’s roses."
A third chimed in: "Deplorable, the Jackie Kennedy Rose Garden was beautiful."
"How fitting. They destroy everything living and beautiful," declared a fourth, while someone else jabbed: "Wow let’s get rid of flowers and natural beauty for concrete?"
"No president, of either party should ever be allowed to do this. It’s not your house, save your redecorating when you retire rich, and go home," stated another.
And a final Instagram user agreed: "Presidents should not be allowed to permanently alter the White House grounds. It doesn’t belong to them."
While the photos released on Tuesday have clearly caused a stir, it's important to note that the renovation is not yet finished.
It is expected to be completed by mid-August this year.
Topics: Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Politics, US News
Rhiannon Ingle