The lush lawn is no more.
No matter what your political affiliation, the White House Rose Garden holds a place of special significance to the American people. The site, located on the western side of the White House just outside the Oval Office, is used for presidential addresses, announcements, and press conferences, and has hosted countless dignitaries, ambassadors, and celebrities over the years. Established in 1913 by First Lady Ellen Louise Axson Wilson (wife of President Woodrow Wilson), the Rose Garden has undergone many changes throughout its existence, but its lush, manicured lawn has remained a fixture—until now.
On June 9, President Donald Trump began carrying out his plan to pave the Rose Garden's lawn. The reason? He feels that it's impractical. In an interview with Fox News's Laura Ingraham in March, Trump said, "You know, we use [the Rose Garden] for press conferences, and it doesn’t work because the people fall," he said, adding, "Women, with the high heels, it just didn’t work."
Since the look of the White House Rose Garden has been changed forever, we want to take a look back at the site throughout the years and appreciate what the lush grounds looked like before it was hardscaped.
Overhead shot of the grounds outside the West Wing, taken during the Warren G. Harding administration.
The south portico of the White House in vibrant bloom.
In the lead-up to Easter 1968, Lady Bird Johnson spends time in the White House Rose Garden with daughter Luci Baines Johnson and grandson Patrick Lyndon Nugent.
On June 12, 1971, President Richard Nixon's daughter Tricia Nixon married Edward F. Cox in what was to be the last wedding held at the White House Rose Garden.
President Jimmy Carter walks the grounds with Vice President Walter Mondale.
Brazilian soccer star Pelé demonstrates ball control to an audience of young soccer players as President Ronald Reagan looks on.
President Bill Clinton confirmed Ruth Bader Ginsburg as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on August 3, 1993.
President George W. Bush held a press conference in the White House Rose Garden to congratulate Barack Obama on his presidential election victory.
President Barack Obama and his advisors have an alfresco meeting in the Rose Garden.
The Rose Garden's lush foliage lines the perimeter of the viewing area.
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