A White House Makeover, Brought to You by Struggling National Parks

PoliticsA White House Makeover, Brought to You by Struggling National ParksPark projects are being defunded to cover President Trump’s Washington renovation spree.By Michael SchererIllustration by The Atlantic. Sources: Andrew Harnik / Getty; Mario Tama / Getty.June 26, 2026, 12:26 PM ET ShareSave The pathway that connects the White House residence to the Oval Office has long been paved in Tennessee flagstone. Every president since Harry Truman made the 45-second commute, and made it without complaint, until Donald Trump. The dun rock would not do. Instead, Trump wanted polished African granite, carved in Italy, with a flamed-finish stripe—slightly raised, to prevent slips—running down the middle.

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