A new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, titled "Regime Change," details conflicts between former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump over White House renovations during his second term.
Core Facts:
- Melania Trump opposed Donald Trump's plans to pave over the Rose Garden, which she had redesigned in his first term. A compromise was reached, preserving the rosebushes while adding stone tiles.
- The couple also clashed over a proposed new ballroom, with Melania preferring a quieter environment. The president's vision ultimately prevailed, leading to the demolition of the East Wing to make way for the ballroom.
Deeper Dive & Context:
Rose Garden Redesign:
Melania Trump's redesign of the Rose Garden during Donald Trump's first term included a limestone border and pastel roses, which she considered one of her proudest achievements. When Donald Trump planned to pave over it, she was reportedly "very unhappy." The compromise design, unveiled in August 2025, retained the rosebushes but added stone tiles, modeled after Mar-a-Lago's outdoor terrace.
Ballroom Controversy:
Donald Trump's plans for a new White House ballroom faced resistance from Melania Trump, who preferred minimal disturbances and objected to living in a construction zone. Staffers struggled to manage the couple's competing desires. The East Wing, which housed the Office of the First Lady, was demolished in October 2025 to accommodate the ballroom.
Additional Insights:
The book, based on over 1,000 interviews and an hour-long interview with Donald Trump, also reveals that Trump moved pieces of White House decor curated by Melania during his first term to new locations. Trump reportedly "pushed back on a few specific points" during the interview but did not dispute the findings overall.
Guest Stay Dispute:
The book also details a dispute over hosting Elon Musk at the White House. Melania Trump objected to Musk staying overnight, but Donald Trump overruled her. Musk spent multiple nights in the Lincoln Bedroom.