A federal commission is set to review President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to cover a historic 19th-century government building adjacent to the White House with white paint, a proposal that forms part of his broader vision to enhance Washington’s aesthetic appeal.
The National Capital Planning Commission has scheduled Thursday to examine Trump’s request to apply white paint to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s gray granite facade. The Republican president previously criticized the current gray color, describing it as “really bad” last year.
This painting proposal represents just one element of Trump’s extensive renovation efforts around the presidential complex. His administration is also demolishing the East Wing to construct a ballroom accommodating 1,000 guests, while Lafayette Park remains shuttered for improvements including fountain repairs.
White House official Josh Fisher explained to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in April that the administration favors painting the complete structure due to exterior staining and what he termed “great disrepair.” An alternative approach would leave the base granite unpainted while covering the remainder in white.
Fisher noted that government-consulted experts couldn’t promise that cleaning alone would adequately address the building’s condition issues.
However, the proposal has sparked significant concern among preservation advocates, architectural experts, and historians. These critics contend that granite surfaces aren’t designed for paint application and warn that coating the stone could trap water, causing deterioration while failing to resolve the underlying problems the administration seeks to address.
Public sentiment strongly opposes the painting scheme. Extensive public feedback submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission, accessible through their website, demonstrates overwhelming resistance based on concerns about potential granite damage and continued problems despite substantial taxpayer costs. Alternative suggestions include enhanced landscaping, improved lighting, and other appearance upgrades.
The Society of Architectural Historians recently wrote to Will Scharf, a senior White House advisor who chairs the planning commission, explaining why the project “will adversely and permanently alter this important part of American heritage and should be rejected.”
Commission staff members have issued a report supporting building cleaning while requesting additional details to properly assess the painting proposals. They’re asking the White House to specify paint types and provide examples of successful granite exterior applications from other projects, plus alternative approaches including cleaning and lighting solutions.
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building holds National Historic Landmark status and appears on the National Register of Historic Places. Legal challenges to the proposed paint application are currently proceeding through federal courts.
Located across a driveway from the West Wing, the building showcases granite, slate, and cast iron construction representing one of America’s finest examples of French Second Empire architectural style. Originally housing the State, War, and Navy departments, it now contains ceremonial vice presidential offices, the second lady’s offices, National Security Council facilities, and other White House operations.
During their April session, the fine arts commission instructed White House representatives to return with additional information, including paint testing results.
