The White House, a symbol of American leadership, has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, each reflecting the tastes and needs of its occupants. The latest renovation includes paving the Rose Garden lawn with stone tiles, adding ‘Trump touches’ to the Oval Office, and constructing a new ballroom by demolishing the East Wing facade. This is not the first time the White House has seen such changes. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt initiated a major renovation, replacing Victorian-era conservatories with the West Wing, despite some congressional opposition over the $65,000 cost. In 1933, an indoor pool was built for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who suffered from polio, though it has since been covered. The most extensive renovation occurred during President Harry Truman’s tenure from 1948 to 1952, which included adding a bowling alley and a balcony. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy led a $2 million restoration in the 1960s, featuring a televised tour of the White House. More recently, President Barack Obama, an avid basketball fan, converted a tennis court into a dual-purpose court and added a rug with a Martin Luther King Jr. quote. These renovations highlight the evolving nature of the White House, blending tradition with modern needs.
From bowling alley to ballroom – Trump isn’t the first to remodel the White House
