WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump's initiative to paint the exterior of the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) white is set for a hearing by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) on Thursday. This proposal forms part of a broader plan aimed at beautifying Washington, D.C., as stated by the President.
The EEOB, a National Historic Landmark located adjacent to the White House, is a prime example of French Second Empire architecture, originally housing the State, War, and Navy departments. Currently, it serves as office space for the Vice President, the National Security Council, and other White House components. The proposed painting involves covering the building's gray granite exterior with white paint, an endeavor Trump has described as necessary due to the current condition of the building, which he previously deemed a “really bad color.”
In proposals presented, White House official Josh Fisher indicated a preference for painting the entire exterior, arguing it is stained and in "great disrepair." Alternatively, the administration has suggested leaving the granite base unpainted while applying white paint to most of the structure. Fisher emphasized that cleaning alone might not significantly improve the condition of the granite, according to expert consultations.
However, the proposal has sparked significant opposition from preservationists, architects, and historians who argue that painting natural stone is inadvisable. They raise concerns that paint could trap moisture within the granite, leading to further deterioration rather than resolving the existing problems. Public sentiment also seems to sway against the paint job, as hundreds of pages of comments submitted to the NCPC largely oppose the project, suggesting instead that improvements could be accomplished through enhanced landscaping, lighting, and other non-invasive measures.
This week, members of the Society of Architectural Historians formally expressed their concerns in a letter to Will Scharf, a senior White House aide and NCPC chair. They warned that the proposed changes would "adversely and permanently alter this important part of American heritage," suggesting that the plan should be rejected.
The NCPC staff has recommended cleaning the exterior of the EEOB over painting it but acknowledges that more information is required to evaluate the painting proposals adequately. They are also asking the White House to provide details about the type of paint intended for use and examples of its application on similar granite facades. Additionally, the NCPC is interested in a summary of alternative methods for improving the building's appearance.
A legal challenge against the proposed painting is currently underway in federal court, underscoring the contentious nature of the initiative. As renovations continue across Lafayette Park, which lies opposite the White House, public and governmental scrutiny of Trump's beautification efforts and historic preservation remain at the forefront of this debate.
The EEOB's significant architectural and historic value makes it a focal point in discussions surrounding preservation and modernization within the nation's capital. At its last meeting, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts instructed White House representatives to provide additional information, including the outcomes of any paint testing, in future sessions.
