Trump’s Plan to Paint Eisenhower Executive Office Building White Faces Backlash from Preservationists

President Donald Trump has proposed painting the exterior of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building white, a plan that will be reviewed by a key federal agency on Thursday. The proposal is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to enhance the appearance of Washington, D.C.

The Eisenhower Executive Office Building, located next to the White House, is a 19th-century historic landmark. Trump has criticized the building’s current gray granite exterior, calling it a “really bad color” in 2023. His administration argues that painting the building white would address stains and disrepair, though officials have acknowledged that cleaning alone may not resolve the issues.

Josh Fisher, a White House official, told the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in April that the administration prefers painting the entire building. As an alternative, the White House proposed painting most of the structure white while leaving the granite base unpainted. However, experts consulted by the government could not guarantee that cleaning would improve the building’s condition.

Preservationists and Public Oppose the Plan

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from preservationists, architects, historians, and the public. Opponents argue that painting granite is inappropriate, as paint can trap moisture, deteriorate the stone, and fail to address underlying issues. They also contend that the plan would permanently alter a key piece of American heritage.

Hundreds of public comments submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission overwhelmingly oppose the plan. Many commenters suggested alternative improvements, such as better landscaping, lighting, or cleaning, rather than painting. The Society of Architectural Historians also sent a letter to Will Scharf, a top White House aide and chair of the planning commission, urging the rejection of the project.

Federal Review and Next Steps

The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to begin reviewing the proposal on Thursday. A staff report recommends supporting a cleaning of the building but requests more information to evaluate the painting proposals. The report also asks the White House to provide details about the type of paint to be used, including past successful applications on granite facades. Additionally, it suggests exploring other solutions, such as improved lighting or cleaning.

The Eisenhower Executive Office Building is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A lawsuit against the proposed paint job has also been filed, further complicating the administration’s plans.