President Donald Trump has significantly altered the landscape of the White House Rose Garden, replacing its traditional lawn with a white stone patio and populating the area with a series of statues honoring America’s founders. The design shift brings an aesthetic reminiscent of the president’s private club at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, to the historic grounds adjacent to the Oval Office.
The collection currently includes bronze depictions of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and a fifth sculpture titled “Freedom’s Charge.” The most recent addition is a seated figure of Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence. This piece was donated by Colorado-based sculptor George Lundeen, who created the work decades ago and kept it at his ranch. Lundeen decided to refurbish the statue and offer it to the White House in time for the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. He noted in a telephone interview that he believed it would be a meaningful sight for the public during the anniversary.
Although the statue did not arrive in time for the July Fourth events due to logistical delays and heavy security, Trump expressed his appreciation for the work after viewing photographs. In a voicemail message shared with the media, the president thanked Lundeen for the gift, describing the sculpture as “really beautiful” and “incredible.” Steven Barber, a collaborator who assisted Lundeen in coordinating with the White House, stated that he had spent months reaching out to officials before receiving a flurry of interest shortly before Independence Day.
Details regarding the origins of the other statues vary. The White House confirmed that the statue of George Washington was on loan from Texas real estate tycoon and GOP donor Harlan Crow. Meanwhile, the statues of Franklin and Hamilton were provided by anonymous donors. “Freedom’s Charge,” a 14-foot-tall bronze sculpture featuring two Revolutionary War soldiers, was relocated from Dallas, though sculptor Chas Fagan did not provide comment on the piece.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended the additions, stating that no other president has done as much to beautify the executive residence and its surroundings. Ingle credited Trump’s “bold vision” for restoring landmarks and cleaning parks, asserting that the “Builder-in-Chief” is ensuring the White House remains in excellent condition for future generations. These renovations are part of a broader series of projects initiated by Trump, including a ballroom and a helipad on the south grounds, as well as plans for a National Garden of American Heroes near the National Mall. That proposed garden is intended to feature 250 figures of historical significance, though the project currently faces legal challenges from groups arguing that it requires congressional authorization.
Trump’s interest in public statuary is also evident elsewhere. In March, a statue of Christopher Columbus was installed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Furthermore, at his West Palm Beach golf club, Trump displays a 7-foot bronze sculpture of himself with his fist raised, a depiction of his reaction following the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. That piece was also crafted by Lundeen and gifted to the president by New York businessman and Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino.
The White House has long served as a repository for art, housing famous works such as the Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington saved by Dolly Madison during the War of 1812. Trump has previously stated that he sourced various portraits and artworks from “vaults” to display in the Oval Office and other rooms. These recent changes follow previous renovations, such as the 2015 update to the Old Family Dining Room by then-first lady Michelle Obama, which introduced a painting by Alma Thomas, the first African American female artist to have her work included in the collection. The report also notes that barber said it was stuck on a truck partly because of heavy security around the celebratory events. The report also notes that it’s your favorite president, Donald Trump, and I just wanted to thank you,” the president said on the recording, which Lundeen shared with The Associated Press. The report also notes that barber said in a separate telephone interview that he had been calling the White House for months to discuss the statue but got little in the way of a response until about three weeks before Independence Day, when in cam. The report also notes that others are on loan from people who wish to remain anonymous. The report also notes that after the holiday, Lundeen’s office manager insisted he listen to one message in particular. The report also notes that just by the picture I can see it’s really incredible, and we have a wonderful place right in the Rose Garden, and I appreciate it.”.
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