Key facts
- President Donald Trump has added statues to the White House Rose Garden.
- The garden was previously renovated with a stone patio.
- Statues include depictions of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin.
- One statue of Jefferson was a gift from sculptor George Lundeen.
- The Washington statue was lent by Harlan Crow.
President Donald Trump has overseen significant changes to the White House Rose Garden, including the replacement of its lawn with a stone patio and the addition of several statues of American historical figures. The latest addition is a bronze sculpture of Thomas Jefferson signing the Declaration of Independence, a gift from sculptor George Lundeen, intended to commemorate America's 250th birthday.
The Rose Garden now features statues of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin, alongside Jefferson. The Washington statue was lent by Harlan Crow, a prominent Republican donor. Another sculpture, 'Freedom's Charge,' depicting Revolutionary War soldiers, was relocated from Dallas. The statues of Franklin and Hamilton were provided by anonymous donors.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that Trump has undertaken extensive renovations to beautify the White House and its grounds, referencing his efforts to restore landmarks and clean parks. These additions align with Trump's broader initiative to leave a lasting mark on Washington through construction projects, including a planned statue garden near the National Mall, which is currently facing legal opposition.
Sculptor George Lundeen expressed his hope that the Jefferson statue would be a pleasing addition for the 250th birthday celebrations. His collaborator, Steven Barber, detailed the efforts to get the statue to the White House, noting a flurry of activity in the weeks leading up to Independence Day. Trump personally called Lundeen to express his appreciation for the sculpture.