ScottsMiracle-Gro has pledged $1 million in monetary and product support to the National Park Service to repair damage to the White House South Lawn caused by the UFC Freedom 250 event. The company plans to re-sod the lawn and use a special turfgrass blend chosen by President Trump.
The pledge highlights the significant cost of hosting large events on protected federal grounds and underscores the involvement of private entities in maintaining national landmarks. It also draws attention to the Trump administration's ongoing renovation projects.
ScottsMiracle-Gro, a private company run by a supporter of President Trump, has pledged $1 million to restore the White House South Lawn. The lawn sustained damage during the UFC Freedom 250 event, held on Trump's 80th birthday. The company will provide a combination of monetary and product support to the National Park Service, including plans to re-sod the lawn and use a special blend of turfgrass chosen by President Trump.
ScottsMiracle-Gro expects the lawn to be fully restored by spring of next year. "The president knows a lot about grass," said ScottsMiracle-Gro chief operating officer Nate Baxter, referencing Trump's history with golf courses. White House officials confirmed that the donation is private and no taxpayer dollars will be used for the restoration.
The extent of the damage to the nearby Ellipse, also impacted by the event, remains unclear. Aerial images showed discoloration and stripped dirt on the Ellipse grounds. UFC President Dana White had previously acknowledged that the event would likely cause damage, with organizers budgeting approximately $700,000 for grass replacement on the South Lawn.