WASHINGTON — Restoration work on the White House North Portico has neared completion ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the United States later this month.
Workers removed scaffolding and a protective shroud from the columns on Tuesday, marking a key milestone in the project ordered by President Donald Trump. The work, which began in June, included refurbishing stonework and plaster on the structure, originally completed in 1830 during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Administration officials stated the repairs addressed routine damage from age and weather exposure.
Trump has previously described the portico as being in a "deplorable condition" before ordering the restoration. The project is part of a broader overhaul of federal properties in Washington, D.C., which has drawn criticism from historic preservationists.
Other Projects Underway
Trump announced last week that construction of a helipad on the South Lawn had been completed. Meanwhile, his signature project—a White House ballroom and underground bunker—remains under construction, despite ongoing legal challenges. Multiple lawsuits were filed after Trump authorized the demolition of the East Wing without following standard regulatory steps for major work on historic federal buildings.
The state dinner for Xi, scheduled for September 24, will be held in existing spaces due to the ongoing construction, providing Trump an opportunity to highlight the ballroom project.
Historical Context
The North Portico, a prominent feature of the White House, has undergone periodic maintenance since its original construction. The current restoration reflects a broader pattern of federal property upgrades under the Trump administration, though the scale and pace of these changes have sparked debate among preservation advocates.