Trump Calls White House a “Dump,” Touts Before-and-After Renovation Photos
Trump posts exterior repair images, claims the executive mansion is now in better shape than when built in 1792 and blames past presidents for neglect.
WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald J. Trump called the White House a “dump” and shared before-and-after photos of exterior repairs, crediting the Department of the Interior and contractors for the work.
Trump wrote that the building’s exterior “skin” was “practically falling off” and claimed it is now in better condition than when it was built in 1792. He said past presidents neglected the executive mansion and that he renovates it during limited spare time.
Here is the full post on truthsocial: “The White House was in very bad condition, both inside and out. Frankly, it was a “dump!” Past Presidents did not take care of it. I love renovating it during my spare time, which is not much. The Department of Interior, and various contractors, are doing a fantastic job. Attached are pictures of BEFORE and AFTER. The exterior “skin” of the Building was practically falling off! It is now in better shape than when built in 1792. Such an Honor to have the privilege of saving this Great Structure! More time without renovation would have destroyed our beloved White House! Trump” on September 13, 2026 at 9:03 PM ET.
This is Trump’s 12th message released today, and the last post was 13 minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 34 of his 598 posts over the last 30 days classified as Personal Praise, Greetings & Tributes posts.
The attached images present a side-by-side comparison of a large white column base, labeled “BEFORE” and “AFTER.” The “before” panel shows a rough, cracked surface with an orange bucket and work materials nearby, while the “after” panel shows a smooth, uniformly white finish. Floor protection sheeting in both panels carries the repeated brand name “RAMBOARD.COM.”
The White House column base is shown in a before-and-after comparison at the White House in Washington D.C. on 09/13/2026.
© copyright Zenger.News
The post continues a long list of renovation projects Trump has publicized. He fortified the entrance to the White House at the North Portico, where recent scaffolding and a tarp obscured crews repairing the exterior columns at his request, according to yahoo. That project was expected to take until at least mid-September, according to yahoo.
Trump has toured reporters through the grounds and touted a new helipad on the South Lawn, describing granite he selected that he said “has a million-year life,” according to globalnews.ca. He replaced a walkway from the diplomatic entrance and part of the asphalt driveway around the South Lawn with white granite, according to globalnews.ca.
The broader overhaul has drawn scrutiny. An appeals court in August ordered the administration to halt construction on the $400-million ballroom on the site of the former East Wing, ruling the project required congressional approval, according to globalnews.ca. The court stayed its ruling for 14 days to allow an appeal, and Trump’s solicitor general later petitioned to resume construction, according to globalnews.ca.
Trump has also remodeled the bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom, saying the new black and white marble was appropriate for the era of Abraham Lincoln, according to bbc. The White House said that renovation was privately funded at no cost to the taxpayer, according to bbc. Conservation groups argued Trump should have sought public review before making changes they say could overwhelm the classical style of the building, according to bbc.
NewsFindr Chart Maker
Photo by Zenger real-time database of all Truth Social posts.
Zenger analysis
Photo by Zenger analysis