President Donald Trump’s “Rose Garden Club” has divided opinions on social media.
The president hosted a dinner for members of Congress in the newly paved White House Rose Garden on Friday night, telling them it was the first gathering of what he dubbed the “Rose Garden Club.”
While some praised the new setup, others criticized the president for turning the Rose Garden into a “private club” and called it a “shrine to his ego.”
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email.
Members of Congress stand as they listen to President Donald Trump deliver remarks during a dinner in the Rose Garden at the White House on September 5, 2025, in Washington,
Members of Congress stand as they listen to President Donald Trump deliver remarks during a dinner in the Rose Garden at the White House on September 5, 2025, in Washington,
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Why It Matters
The Rose Garden was first launched in 1913 by Ellen Wilson, the first wife of President Woodrow Wilson. It was later redesigned during President John F. Kennedy’s administration as a space for outdoor ceremonies. Since then, the Rose Garden has been regularly used by presidents for events including major announcements, celebrations and even weddings.
What To Know
Trump’s decision to pave over the grassy lawn is among several changes he has made to the Executive Mansion and its grounds since returning to the White House in January. He previously said he would pave over the lawn because the grass is always wet and inconvenient for women in high heels.
Tables, chairs and striped umbrellas have now been set up on the newly paved space that look similar to the outdoor patio at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
As Trump welcomed members of Congress to the space on Friday, he told them the “Rose Garden Club” was “for people that can bring peace and success to our country.”
On social media, some supporters praised the renovation, saying it had improved the Rose Garden.
But critics slammed the changes, with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office account on X dubbing it “Predator Patio.”
Others accused Trump for turning the space into a “private club” for his friends and supporters at a time when Americans are continuing to struggle with rising prices and economists warn that the U.S. economy could soon slip into a recession.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump told attendees at Friday’s dinner: “We call it the Rose Garden Club. And it’s a club for senators, for congresspeople and for people in Washington, and frankly, people that can bring peace and success to our country.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X on Saturday: “The grand opening of the new Rose Garden Club at the White House last night was epic. Thanks to @realDonaldTrump for his hospitality & visionary leadership.”
Eric Daugherty, a pro-Trump media personality, wrote on X: “WOW. This was the best renovation decision President Trump has made at the White House so far. I can’t believe liberals are against this. The Rose Garden Patio is functional now. No flooding, tons of people. They hate it because it wasn’t their idea.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: “Our economy is in a downward spiral, but don’t worry—the @GOP are spending their time cheersing Diet Cokes at a new, exclusive ‘club.'”
Tennessee Democrat Chris D. Jackson wrote on X that Trump “gutted the Rose Garden just to turn it into his own Mar-a-Lago stage—waddling up the steps, spewing nonsense to a pack of trained seals. It’s not leadership. It’s a shrine to his ego.”
Political commentator Cheri Jacobus wrote: “This is so ugly. Trump ruined the Rose Garden and now is making it his ‘private club’ like Mar-a-Lago.”
Rhonda Foxx, the founder of the nonprofit PERSIST, wrote on X: “Rose Garden tours were once a highlight for families visiting D.C. Members of Congress took pride in securing tickets for their constituents. Turning it into an exclusive, mini-Mar-a-Lago club is a travesty. No matter your politics, this optic and values shift should concern you.”
What’s Next
The revamped Rose Garden was unveiled as construction is set to begin this month on a new $200-million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom off the East Wing of the White House.
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