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Trump’s Grass Obsession Shapes White House Grounds Work

His repeated public focus on turf has prompted construction, partial resodding, a private $1 million contribution to South Lawn restoration.

FILE - The sign for Trump National Golf Club is pictured as the motorcade for President Donald Trump arrives, April 19, 2025, in Sterling, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
FILE - Construction continues on a helipad on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tierney L. Cross, File)
FILE - The last remaining pieces built on the South Lawn of the White House for the UFC Freedom 250 event are removed, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul, File)
FILE - President Donald Trump, left, greets United States team captain Keegan Bradley on the first hole at Bethpage Black golf course during the Ryder Cup golf tournament, Sept. 26, 2025, in Farmingdale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Overview

  • President Trump has raised the topic of grass repeatedly in public remarks, mentioning it at least 45 events or interviews and often linking it to his plans for Washington green spaces.
  • His administration has removed turf for projects such as a stone patio by the Rose Garden, a temporary UFC installation and a newly built helipad, and crews have begun resodding areas outside the helipad footprint.
  • Scotts Miracle-Gro met with the president, donated $1 million in money and product support to the National Park Service and helped select a custom turf blend that the White House plans to seed next spring.
  • Trump frames his turf decisions as expert-informed, citing his golf-course and real estate experience and using lawn aesthetics to promote a broader Washington beautification agenda.
  • The work raises questions about private involvement in federal grounds, the cost of maintaining Augusta-level turf, and how construction and new Marine One helicopters will affect public access and historic preservation of the South Lawn.