On Monday, first lady Melania Trump announced that she will oversee a renovation of the White House Rose Garden, overhauling the iconic greenspace adjacent to the Oval Office and West Wing.
The renovation, which will include excavation, could take several weeks, according to a source familiar with the timeline, and the Rose Garden will, during that time, be out of commission for use. It will include “electrical upgrades for television appearances, a new walkway and new flowers and shrubs.”
“The very act of planting a garden involves hard work and hope in the possibility of a bright future,” the first lady said in a statement.
The first lady also described the renovations as an “act of expressing hope and optimism for the future,” CNN reports.
The move comes as the COVID-19 pandemic still killing hundreds of Americans every day.
The first lady’s plans have received a chilly reception on Twitter, as many users are accusing her of being tone-deaf during a time of national tragedy.
Check out some reactions below:
Us: We are broke, dying of Covid, and fighting racism in the streets.@FLOTUS: I tear up Rose Garden, yes? https://t.co/RBeAvcwtuz
— KTW Social Distancia Wall of Walls (@KateBegins2Rock) July 27, 2020
Arranging flowers on the Titanic.
Melania Trump to Announce Plan to Revamp White House Rose Garden https://t.co/TkOG5ryJaw— Jeff Jarvis (@jeffjarvis) July 27, 2020
Better hurry. https://t.co/22HqsFTAr4
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) July 27, 2020
Yeah let’s waste some more money while Americans are starving and being evicted!!! Jackasses! https://t.co/Fj4YlayzlX
— sharon (@sharon45856259) July 27, 2020
People are losing jobs, savings, homes and she is going to decorate garden on tax payer dime. Republicans wont be outraged.
— Homer Bush (@Sportsfeeder1) July 27, 2020
It's not like she could use her time and power to help the tens of millions of people suffering in America. I suppose she would rather just let them eat cake than lend comfort and help to those in need.
— Cynthia Brumfield (@msbrumfield) July 27, 2020
America: 150k dead, no end to pandemic in sight, people out of work, no way to pay rent
Flotus: Donald, can I have some of their tax payer money to redo the yard?
— 305 Pirate ☮💜 🏴☠️ (@305Pirate) July 27, 2020
No amount of money can buy taste and class…
— Judy L'Etoile (@jletoile) July 27, 2020
— Chris (@LSUTIGERSNATION) July 27, 2020
With just months left in their residence, now she's starting a landscape project! At least First Lady Biden will be there to fix it afterwards. You know, take the glitter out, that sort of thing.
— Margie D (@frogmarge) July 27, 2020
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