A row broke out after President Donald Trump proudly unveiled a lavish makeover of the Lincoln Bedroom’s bathroom in the White House, even as the government shutdown dragged into its 31st day.The MAGA chief shared more than 20 photos of the refurbished bathroom on Truth Social. He described the renovation as a tribute to the 16th US President Abraham Lincoln’s era.
The new space, he said, is now “covered from floor to ceiling with black and white polished Statuary marble.” Trump claimed the marble “could be the marble that was originally there,” calling the design “very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln.”The bathroom features gold-coloured fixtures, including the taps, wall sconces, and even a gold trash bin, along with a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Photos also showed a complete redesign in a black, white, and gold palette.
Fixing bathrooms in times of crisis?
However, the remodelling was not taken well by social media and Democrats, who accused Trump of being out of touch during a national crisis. “Donald Trump actually cares more about his toilet than he does about fixing your healthcare,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on X.Democratic activist Harry Sisson said: “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.” He later called the move “so tone deaf, out of touch, and disgusting.”Adding fuel to the fire, the lavish redesign comes after the US government has temporarily halted funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving millions of low-income families uncertain about their next meal. The pause comes amid a budget standoff in Congress, with lawmakers unable to agree on a spending bill to keep federal aid flowing. SNAP provides food assistance to over 40 million Americans and is a critical lifeline for families struggling with inflation and rising grocery prices.
White House hits back
Responding to the backlash, White House spokesman Davis Ingle told CNBC that Democrats were focusing on the wrong issue. “Democrats are more concerned with President Trump’s historic beautification of the White House than they are for American citizens they are hurting because of their reckless government shutdown,” he said.Later that same day, Trump also boasted about inspecting ongoing construction at the Kennedy Center, where he had earlier replaced several board members and appointed himself as chair. “It is really looking good!” he said. “The exterior columns, which were in serious danger of corrosion if something weren’t done, are completed, and look magnificent in White Enamel — Like a different place!”
