Donald Trump’s latest makeover plan for Washington DC is already running into serious backlash – and this time, critics say the damage could be permanent.

Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has pushed a number of changes tied to the nation’s capital, including updates to the White House grounds and broader efforts aimed at making the city look more “beautiful” and patriotic. Supporters have praised the projects as an attempt to restore pride to some of America’s most iconic political landmarks.

But one proposal in particular is causing outrage among architects, historians, and preservation experts. Trump reportedly wants to paint the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building – the massive 19th-century building located next to the White House – completely white.

The building, which first opened in 1888 after 17 years of construction, is currently known for its distinctive gray granite exterior. It’s also designated as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Trump wants to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Trump, however, has previously made it clear he’s not a fan of the current look, according to Tyla.

According to outlets including AP News, the president once described the granite as a “really bad color.” The Washington Post also reported that Trump said: “Gray is for funerals,” before adding: “Look at it, how beautiful that is with a coat of paint.”

According to the White House, repainting the exterior could cost taxpayers at least $7.5 million – and that estimate only covers the initial work, not long-term maintenance.

Officials have reportedly proposed two different versions of the project. One would involve painting the entire granite exterior white, while the other would leave the granite base untouched and paint the rest of the building.

The fully white version is reportedly the preferred option.

“Will adversely and permanently alter this important landmark”
Experts have warned that painting granite is far more complicated than simply covering it with a fresh coat of paint. Critics argue the paint could trap moisture inside the stone, potentially damaging the building and permanently altering one of Washington’s historic landmarks.

Priya Jain, from the Society of Architectural Historians, reportedly criticized the proposal, saying: “Painting the granite facade of the building white will adversely and permanently alter this important landmark, and should be rejected.”

So far, the National Capital Planning Commission has not signed off on the plan. Instead, officials are asking the White House for more details about the type of paint being considered, testing procedures, possible removal methods, long-term maintenance, and alternative options.

Ryan Erb, the construction operations and facilities manager in the White House Office of Administration, said testing is still underway.

“Unfortunately, we can’t rush that process,” he told commissioners, adding: “We’re trying to get all the data first.”