President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled the newly remodeled bathroom attached to the historic Lincoln Bedroom in the White House, sharing a flood of photos on social media that showcase a dramatic shift to black-and-white Statuary marble and prominent gold fixtures.
The reveal, which the President characterized as a vital restoration of historical integrity, immediately sparked a fierce backlash from critics who deemed the move “tone deaf” as the federal government shutdown stretches into its 31st day, threatening critical federal services for millions of Americans.
The Gilded Transformation
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, President Trump proudly presented the before-and-after images of the bathroom, which is connected to the room where President Abraham Lincoln used to hold Cabinet meetings.
“I renovated the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House,” Trump wrote. He argued that the previous decor, featuring Art Deco green tile installed during the 1940s Truman renovation, was “totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era.”
The new design features:
- Black-and-White Statuary Marble: Covering the walls and floor, which Trump claimed was “very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln and, in fact, could be the marble that was originally there!”
- Gold Accents: Including gold-colored faucets, shower handles, wall sconces, and even a decorative trash bin, lending the space a luxurious, Mar-a-Lago-style sheen.
- Crystal Chandelier: Replacing the previous lighting fixture, adding a touch of formal elegance.
The renovation is one of several sweeping changes the administration has overseen, including the controversial demolition of the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom and earlier updates to the Rose Garden and Oval Office. White House officials have stated that the bathroom remodel, like the ballroom project, is privately funded and comes at no cost to the taxpayer.
Political Backlash Amid Crisis
The timing of the opulent reveal—as the President headed to his Florida club for the weekend—ignited swift and bitter criticism from Democratic leaders and commentators.
The core of the outrage is the ongoing government shutdown, which has caused funding for critical programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to be temporarily halted, leaving over 40 million low-income Americans in limbo.
“Donald Trump actually cares more about his toilet than he does about fixing your healthcare,” wrote Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on social media.
Democratic commentators piled on, highlighting the contrast between the lavish renovation and the mounting humanitarian crisis. “Millions of people are being kicked off of food assistance and millions can’t afford health care anymore. But don’t worry everyone! Trump got a new bathroom,” wrote one prominent activist.
A White House spokesperson pushed back against the criticism, arguing that Democrats were more concerned with the President’s “historic beautification of the White House” than they were with resolving the legislative gridlock.
While the President insists he is correcting an “inappropriate” mid-century design and restoring a look truer to the home of the 16th president, the episode has sharply underscored the deep divide between the priorities of the administration and the struggles of vulnerable Americans caught in the shutdown’s crosshairs.