President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to paint the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) white is set for a crucial hearing this Thursday before a key federal agency. The plan, which would dramatically alter the 19th-century landmark adjacent to the White House, is part of a broader initiative by the Republican president to enhance Washington's aesthetic appeal.
Background and Rationale
Trump has been implementing numerous changes across the White House complex, including the demolition of the East Wing for a 1,000-person ballroom and renovations to Lafayette Park. His desire to paint the EEOB stems from his belief that its current gray granite exterior is a "really bad color," a sentiment he expressed last year.
Josh Fisher, a White House official, informed the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in April that the administration favors painting the entire building due to its stained and "great disrepair" condition. An alternative proposal suggested painting most of the building white while retaining the granite base. Fisher noted that experts could not guarantee an exterior cleaning would sufficiently improve the building's state.
Preservationist Opposition
However, the proposal has sparked alarm among preservationists, architects, and historians. They argue that granite is not designed to be painted, warning that paint could trap moisture, accelerate stone deterioration, and fail to resolve the underlying issues the administration aims to address. The building is located across the street from the White House's West Wing and typically serves as an office space for the president's staff.
Public sentiment also appears to be overwhelmingly against the plan. Hundreds of pages of public comments submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) highlight concerns about potential harm to the granite and the significant cost to taxpayers. Many suggested alternative improvements like enhanced landscaping or lighting.
The Society of Architectural Historians sent a letter to Will Scharf, a top White House aide and chair of the planning commission, asserting that the project would "adversely and permanently alter this important part of American heritage and should be rejected."
Commission's Stance
The NCPC staff report recommends supporting a cleaning of the building but indicates that more information is needed to properly evaluate the painting proposals. Staff also advised requesting details on the specific type of paint to be used, examples of its successful application on granite facades elsewhere, and a summary of other methods to achieve the administration's goals, such as cleaning or lighting.
The EEOB, a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a prime example of French Second Empire architecture, featuring granite, slate, and cast iron. It originally housed the State, War, and Navy departments and now contains ceremonial offices for the vice president, offices for the second lady, and the National Security Council. A lawsuit challenging the proposed paint job is currently proceeding through federal court. The fine arts commission previously directed White House officials to return with further information, including results from paint testing.
