In a surprising revelation, former US President Donald Trump has stated that he effectively holds two jobs during his second term in office: leading the nation and personally overseeing extensive construction and renovation projects at the White House and other federal landmarks.
The President's 'Relaxing' Second Job
During a recent dinner speech for the Kennedy Center Honorees, the 79-year-old leader openly discussed his dual roles. "I have two jobs," Trump declared. He described his construction work as a form of relaxation, given his lifelong experience as a real estate developer before entering politics. In a nine-minute detour from his main speech, he recounted asking an associate whether he was a better builder or politician, a question that reportedly left the person stumped. "I'm not sure how to answer it either," Trump admitted with a laugh, "but I actually get great relaxation out of fixing the White House and fixing the Kennedy Center."
Trump insisted that he manages to fit this demanding hands-on work into his schedule because, unlike others, "I don't really want to rest." This philosophy has driven a wave of renovations since the start of his second term.
Detailing the Lavish Upgrades
The scale of Trump's personal involvement in the renovations is both elaborate and costly. Key changes under his direction include:
- Filling the Oval Office with gold decorations.
- Paving the Rose Garden and installing giant flagpoles on the north and south lawns.
- Replacing tile in the historic Lincoln Bathroom with marble.
- Overseeing an overhaul of the Kennedy Center and adding his personal touch to the Palm Room.
- Completely renovating the entire East Wing in October to create a new, grand ballroom.
In an interview with Fox News's Laura Ingraham, Trump explained his attention to detail, noting he replaced "lanterns that were terrible" with new chandeliers and even focused on elements like book-matched air conditioner vents—a detail he boasted "very few people can do." He criticized the old materials, stating the previous tile was cheap and broken.
The Staggering Cost and Legacy
While all presidents leave their mark on the White House, Trump's renovations stand out for their opulence and price tag. At a recent Hanukkah celebration, he announced, "We're donating a building that's approximately $400 million," referencing the new ballroom. This statement highlights the extraordinary expense involved in his projects.
Furthermore, Trump has also been involved in renaming the Kennedy Center, a performing arts centre established by Congress as a memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy. His active role in these aesthetic and structural changes blends his executive duties with his personal passion for development, creating a unique chapter in the history of the presidential residence.
The renovations reflect Trump's enduring identity as a builder, proving that for this president, governance and construction are intertwined pursuits shaping his legacy in Washington, D.C.
