WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump took to social media Thursday to showcase his latest White House renovation project: the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom. Sharing a series of before-and-after images on Truth Social, the president highlighted the extensive makeover as part of his broader efforts to leave a personal imprint on the historic residence.
“I renovated the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House. It was renovated in the 1940s in an art deco green tile style, which was totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era,” Trump wrote. “I did it in black and white polished Statuary marble. This was very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln and, in fact, could be the marble that was originally there!”
The president’s post was made from Air Force One en route to Florida, where he plans to spend the weekend. The announcement comes amid a partial government shutdown, with the Trump administration confirming it will not dip into emergency funds to maintain SNAP food assistance benefits for the month of November.
Images shared by the president display the newly installed black and white marble, accented with gold fixtures on the faucet, shower handle, and other bathroom fittings. A plush white robe, embroidered with the presidential seal, hangs on a gold hook — completing what Trump described as a design “totally in keeping with that time.”
Earlier this month, the president had previewed the renovation during a White House dinner, describing the prior bathroom style as “not exactly Abe Lincoln.”
“We have little things like at the Lincoln Bedroom. The bathroom was done by the Truman family a long time ago, and it’s done in a green tile, in a style that was not exactly Abe Lincoln,” Trump said. “It’s actually Art Deco. And Art Deco doesn’t go with, you know, 1850 and Civil Wars… But what does do is statuary marble. So I ripped it apart and we built a bathroom. It’s absolutely gorgeous and totally in keeping with that time because the Lincoln bedroom is, uh, so incredible, for those of you that have seen it.”
The Lincoln Bedroom renovation is part of a broader series of projects the president is overseeing across the White House and Washington, D.C., aimed at modernizing and personalizing historic spaces. On Friday, Trump also provided an update on his work at the Kennedy Center, which he personally inspected.
“The exterior columns, which were in serious danger of corrosion if something weren’t done, are completed, and look magnificent in White Enamel — like a different place! Marble is being done, stages are being renovated, new seats, new chairs, and new fabrics will soon be installed, and magnificent high-end carpeting throughout the building. It is happening faster than anticipated, one of my trademarks,” Trump said. “We are bringing this building back to life. It was dead as a doornail, but it will soon be beautiful again!”
Since taking office, Trump has pursued an ambitious agenda of renovations and redecorations across the White House. Among the most visible changes: the Rose Garden was paved over, the East Wing is being demolished to make way for a new ballroom, and the Oval Office has been adorned with extensive gold accents.
The president has often justified the Rose Garden paving as a practical measure, noting that high heels can sink into grass during official events. The addition of white and yellow umbrellas at patio tables echoes the aesthetic of his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida.
Inside the Oval Office, Trump has overseen a notable increase in the number of paintings, many in gold frames, reflecting the personal tastes of the administration. Portraits of past presidents now line the West Colonnade, with the exception of Joe Biden, represented only by his autopen signature. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors have also been installed to enhance the room’s grandeur for visiting press and guests.
The president’s plans extend beyond interior renovations. Trump has announced intentions to construct a new arch monument in Washington, D.C., commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Amid these initiatives, Trump has taken steps to reshape the advisory landscape governing the capital’s aesthetics. This week, he dismissed the members of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency responsible for advising the president, Congress, and the District of Columbia on design and architectural matters. The president has simultaneously installed allies on the National Capital Planning Commission, which will play a key role in approving plans for the new White House ballroom.
The Lincoln Bedroom bathroom renovation, while a relatively small-scale project, underscores the administration’s broader focus on historic restoration blended with personal style. Trump has framed these changes as part of a mission to “bring historic buildings back to life,” highlighting both the Kennedy Center updates and his ongoing work in the White House.
Architectural historians have noted that the decision to replace 1940s Art Deco tiles with statuary marble aligns more closely with mid-19th century design motifs. However, critics argue that such extensive personalization risks overshadowing the historical context of the White House’s landmark interiors.
Supporters of the president’s approach point to practical benefits, including improved functionality, durability, and aesthetic cohesion with the Lincoln-era bedroom. In addition, the administration argues that such upgrades enhance the nation’s cultural and public spaces, benefiting visitors and future administrations alike.
Trump’s social media announcement reflects the modern president’s approach to public relations: leveraging direct communication channels to highlight personal initiatives and accomplishments. By posting from Air Force One and sharing high-resolution images, the president is able to showcase his renovation work in a manner that traditional press briefings often cannot match.
As the government shutdown continues, questions remain about funding and priorities. While Trump emphasizes architectural restoration and White House enhancements, critics and some lawmakers argue that essential services, including SNAP food benefits, require more immediate attention.
Nevertheless, the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom project represents a symbolic element of the administration’s broader cultural agenda, one that blends historical homage with the president’s signature aesthetic. The use of statuary marble, gold accents, and luxurious finishes reflects a longstanding presidential tradition: making the White House a reflection of the sitting president’s personal vision.
With the Kennedy Center renovations underway, a new White House ballroom in the planning stages, and D.C. monuments on the horizon, Trump’s imprint on the nation’s capital is becoming increasingly visible. Whether celebrated for design innovation or scrutinized for taste and cost, these projects mark a continuation of a presidency defined as much by aesthetic decisions as by political actions.
As of now, the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom stands completed, a polished example of Trump’s vision for combining historical authenticity with modern luxury. For visitors, historians, and White House staff, it is a striking reminder that even the smallest spaces in the nation’s most iconic residence can serve as canvases for presidential expression.