Overview

• The overhaul finished on August 1, replacing the central lawn with diamond-shaped white stone pavers and adding patio furniture
• Funding for the renovation was provided by the Trust for the National Mall and private donors
• President Trump defended the design as reflecting heat and praised its appearance as a beautiful white stone
• Critics described the new garden floor as stripped and soulless with calls to restore the grass
• The garden remains closed pending a formal reopening and will serve as a backdrop for upcoming presidential events