US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a newly refurbished version of the Lincoln Bathroom inside the White House, describing the makeover as an effort to restore the room’s historical authenticity.
Trump shared several before-and-after photos on Truth Social, showing the transformation from a 1940s art deco style to what he called a design more in line with Abraham Lincoln’s era.
“I renovated the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House,” Trump wrote. “It was renovated in the 1940s in an art deco green tile style, which was totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era. 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 images revealed polished marble, gold accents, and a robe embroidered with the presidential seal. Trump said the refurbishment was part of his broader initiative to “restore” the White House’s historic character.
He had hinted at the project earlier this year, saying during a dinner at the White House that the old bathroom design “was not exactly Abe Lincoln.” The Lincoln Bathroom, which adjoins one of the mansion’s most historic bedrooms, was last updated during the Truman-era renovations in the 1940s.
The announcement coincided with the 31st day of the federal government shutdown, prompting backlash from critics who accused Trump of being disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Americans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X, “Donald Trump actually cares more about his toilet than he does about fixing your healthcare.”
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle countered the criticism, telling CNBC, “Democrats are more concerned with President Trump’s historic beautification of the White House than they are for American citizens they are hurting because of their reckless government shutdown.”
As images of the bathroom spread online, social media users noticed one peculiar detail: a large window next to the toilet that appeared to face the $300 million East Wing ballroom construction site.
“This seems kinda awkward for the East Wing construction workers (not gonna lie),” journalist Aaron Rupar posted on X, sharing a screenshot of the window. Others joked about the lack of privacy, with one user commenting, “Why the heck is there a window next to a toilet in the White House, and why is it that large?”
However, some critics pointed out the contrast between the lavish renovations and the ongoing hardship caused by the shutdown, which could leave nearly 40 million Americans without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
