After Donald Trump ordered part of the White House Rose Garden to be torn up and replaced with white pavement, many were curious about what it meant for the future of the space. It has been known to host the press and other White House guests, but the drastic change appeared to mean that the Rose Garden would be another venue of sorts on the White House grounds.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt proved that when she shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) of the paved area of the garden with tables and chairs and loud music playing through speakers. In her post, she shared a quote from Trump about prepping the space for “the greatest event in the history of the White House.”
Supporters and critics alike of the Trump Administration were left scratching their heads.
“We are testing the speakers for what will be the greatest event in the history of the White House!” -President Trumppic.twitter.com/hfOmFZvmFz
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) August 19, 2025
Karoline Leavitt and Donald Trump have big plans for the renovated Rose Garden.
Leavitt’s video of the Rose Garden features the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” playing over speakers. According to the post, it was Trump’s idea to test out the speakers for some plan that he has for a huge White House event in the future.
Leavitt wrote that Trump said, “We are testing the speakers for what will be the greatest event in the history of the White House!” One event that Trump already announced was a UFC fight on the White House lawn in 2026 in celebration of the country’s 250th birthday. Leavitt didn’t share any other clues in her post about the event that Trump apparently teased.
Trump has become known for his use of specific songs, both during and after his 2024 campaign. There has been no word so far on Lee Greenwood banning Trump’s use of “God Bless the U.S.A.”
There is a list, according to the Los Angeles Times, of other artists that have lobbied complaints about Trump’s use of their music to promote himself and his agenda. Some of those songs, per the outlet, are Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.”
There were some not so serious theories in comments on the X post, though. One user commented that the “greatest event in the history of the White House” might be Trump announcing a resignation or admitting to crimes he allegedly committed. Someone else wrote, “All you can eat shrimp buffet?”
Another user commented, more seriously, “The greatest event in the history of the White House will be the day Trump leaves it. Hopefully in handcuffs.”
In August 2025, Trump told reporters that the plans to renovate the Rose Garden and add the patio in the middle of the space was for the press and for other events at the White House.
The patio looks similar to those at Trump’s Florida resort and home Mar-a-Lago. Now, in Leavitt’s video, it’s apparent that white and yellow striped umbrellas similar to those at Mar-a-Lago were added to complete the look.
According to People, the White House announced plans for an official ceremony to re-open the Rose Garden and introduce the new patio space.
The date of that potential event, however, is unclear. It could also be what Leavitt referenced in her X post when she quoted Trump, though she has not cleared that up.
