Trump Revamps Rose Garden With Controversial Statues

WHO:

Alternet - President Donald Trump is involved in the renovation of the White House grounds.

Alternet - George Lundeen, a 77-year-old artist, created the statue of Thomas Jefferson.

WHAT:

Drudge Report - Trump is overhauling the White House grounds with new statues in the Rose Garden.

Alternet - A statue of Thomas Jefferson was unveiled in the White House Rose Garden without prior announcement.

Alternet - The statue of Jefferson is the fifth statue added by Trump, joining those of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and a sculpture called "Freedom's Charge."

Alternet - The Jefferson statue depicts him working on a draft of the Declaration of Independence.

Alternet - Trump replaced the central grass lawn of the Rose Garden with a stone patio.

Alternet - The statue weighs 700 pounds and is 7 feet tall.

Alternet - Trump sent a congratulatory message to Lundeen, stating, "I just wanted to thank you. The sculpture looks really beautiful."

WHERE:

Drudge Report - The renovations are taking place at the White House, specifically in the Rose Garden.

Alternet - The statue of Caesar Rodney is part of a new outdoor statuary exhibition in downtown Washington.

WHEN:

Alternet - The statue of Jefferson was unveiled last week.

Alternet - The statue created by Lundeen arrived at the White House at the end of June.

Alternet - Trump installed a replica of a Christopher Columbus statue in March.

WHY:

Alternet - Trump is elevating historical figures whose monuments became controversial during racial justice protests.

Alternet - Trump has expressed sympathy for figures like Columbus, who became a flashpoint due to his role in colonization and enslavement.

HOW:

Alternet - The statue of Jefferson was held for examination by security experts before being unveiled.

(UPDATED July 20, 2026 17:28 UTC)

President Trump is currently renovating the White House grounds, specifically the Rose Garden, where he recently unveiled a new statue of Thomas Jefferson, created by artist George Lundeen. This statue, which weighs 700 pounds and stands seven feet tall, is the fifth addition to the garden, joining statues of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and a sculpture called "Freedom's Charge." Trump expressed his appreciation for Lundeen's work, stating, "I just wanted to thank you. The sculpture looks really beautiful."