President Donald Trump has installed a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson in the White House Rose Garden as part of a broader redesign that replaces traditional landscaping with stone paving and classical sculptures.
The latest addition is a bronze depiction of Jefferson seated and drafting the Declaration of Independence, gifted by Colorado-based sculptor George Lundeen. The statue joins existing sculptures of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and a fifth work titled “Freedom’s Charge.” The changes follow Trump’s decision to replace the garden’s grass lawn with a white stone terrace, creating an aesthetic similar to his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The Jefferson statue was originally intended for a July Fourth display but arrived after the deadline, according to sculptor George Lundeen. Lundeen stated he had kept the piece at his ranch for decades before deciding to donate it for the White House’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The sculpture was transported via truck but faced delays, according to collaborator Steven Barber.
The broader renovations include a gilded redesign of the Oval Office, construction of a ballroom, and plans for a helipad on the White House’s south grounds. These projects align with Trump’s broader initiative to reshape downtown Washington, including a proposed statue garden on federal land near the National Mall.
The Rose Garden redesign replaces a historic outdoor space adjacent to the Oval Office, traditionally characterized by its floral landscaping. The new layout features white stone paving and classical sculptures, diverging from the garden’s prior appearance. At least one statue was donated outright, while others were provided on temporary loan by undisclosed contributors.
The Jefferson statue’s installation coincides with ongoing White House renovations under Trump’s tenure, reflecting a shift in the garden’s purpose and aesthetic. The changes have drawn attention to the evolving symbolism of the space, which has hosted official events and ceremonies since its original design under Jacqueline Kennedy in 1962.