Former President Donald Trump has once again ignited a national conversation—this time over a lavish renovation of one of the White House’s most historically significant spaces: the Lincoln Bathroom.
Trump’s Lavish Makeover: A New Gilded Age?
In late October 2025, Trump took to Truth Social to unveil his latest interior design project: a complete overhaul of the bathroom adjacent to the famed Lincoln Bedroom. The space, once modest and understated, is now adorned floor-to-ceiling in white marble with shimmering gold accents. “I renovated the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House,” Trump declared. “It’s totally in keeping with the era of Abraham Lincoln” .
Historians and preservationists were quick to raise eyebrows. The original Lincoln Bathroom, though not used by the 16th president himself (indoor plumbing wasn’t installed until decades later), has long been treated as part of the historic fabric of the Executive Residence. Critics argue that the opulent redesign clashes dramatically with the room’s traditional, neoclassical surroundings—and with Lincoln’s well-documented humility.
Before and After: A Visual Transformation
Photos shared by Trump show a stark contrast between the bathroom’s former state—a simple, functional space with neutral tiles—and its current incarnation: reflective marble surfaces, gold-plated fixtures, and ambient lighting that evokes luxury hotel suites more than presidential history .
| Feature | Pre-Renovation | Post-Renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Ceramic tile | White Carrara marble |
| Fixtures | Brushed nickel | Gold-plated brass |
| Walls | Painted drywall | Marble cladding |
| Lighting | Recessed ceiling | Crystal sconces |
Public and Expert Reactions
While some supporters praised the upgrade as a “long-overdue modernization,” others questioned the timing and tone. “Lincoln slept on a simple iron bed and wore worn suits,” noted Dr. Eleanor Hayes, a presidential historian at Georgetown University. “This marble-and-gold fantasy feels less like homage and more like branding.”
Trump defended the project during a recent rally, stating the renovation was “very presidential” and “worthy of Honest Abe” . He also claimed the work was completed using private donations, though no public records have verified this assertion.
Is This Part of a Larger Trend?
This isn’t the first time Trump has reshaped White House interiors to reflect his personal aesthetic. During his presidency, he oversaw the installation of new draperies in the Red Room, replaced carpets in the Diplomatic Reception Room, and added a large portrait of himself to the Grand Foyer—all moves that drew mixed reviews .
The Lincoln Bathroom renovation appears to continue that pattern, blending luxury real estate sensibilities with national heritage—a combination that continues to polarize the public.
