Trump's Lincoln Bathroom Renovation Sparks Outcry Amidst Government Shutdown
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Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump's recent unveiling of a newly renovated Lincoln Bathroom in the White House, featuring black and white polished Statuary marble and gold fixtures, has ignited a firestorm of criticism. The announcement, made on Truth Social, comes amidst a 31-day government shutdown and ongoing efforts to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans. Journalist Yashar Ali brought wider attention to the update, tweeting, "> President Trump with an interior design update."
President Trump personally described the renovation on Truth Social, stating, "I renovated the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House. It was renovated in the 1940s in an 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 update includes gold detailing on faucets, shower handles, and other fixtures, as well as a plush white robe with a presidential seal.
The timing of the opulent renovation has drawn significant backlash from the public and political commentators. Critics quickly pointed to the disconnect between the lavish spending on White House interiors and the struggles faced by citizens during the prolonged government closure. Many online users expressed outrage, with one commenter quoted as saying, "'Millions are gonna starve, but hey, I sh—— on marble.' Donald 'Marie Antoinette' Trump."
This bathroom update is part of a broader pattern of extensive renovations undertaken by President Trump during his second term, which include gilding the Oval Office, paving the Rose Garden, and plans for a $250 million ballroom in the East Wing. These projects have been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the aesthetic changes and others questioning the cost and timing. The White House has indicated that some of these larger projects are privately funded.