Brief
Trump administration says painting Eisenhower Building would harm White House historic character
The administration’s draft assessment warns that a white mineral silica paint could trap moisture and alter the visual hierarchy of the White House grounds.
By Felo News Desk · Published
President Donald Trump’s proposal to paint the 19th‑century Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) sparked a draft environmental assessment released on Friday, which concluded the plan would diminish the historic character of the White House complex.
The assessment, citing preservationists and architects, notes that the building’s granite was hand‑selected by architect Alfred B. Mullet and that painting could trap moisture, potentially degrading the stone. Estimated costs start at $7.5 million. The report also says the EEOB and the adjacent Treasury building create a visual hierarchy that has existed for 125 years and would be disrupted by a paint job.
It adds that a proposed white mineral silica paint is permeable, making moisture damage unlikely, and that preliminary tests suggest removal would cause minimal harm. An alternative recommendation is to clean and restore the façade while improving exterior lighting, which would not affect historic character.
For related White House projects see the underground visitor screening center approval.
Key facts
- The draft environmental assessment says painting the EEOB would diminish the historic character of the White House complex. (independent.co.uk)
- The plan is estimated to cost at least $7.5 million. (independent.co.uk)
- Architect Alfred B. Mullet selected the building’s granite, which the report says is central to its historic design. (independent.co.uk)
- The assessment notes the EEOB and Treasury building form a visual hierarchy in place for 125 years. (independent.co.uk)
- An alternative proposal is to clean and restore the building while improving exterior lighting. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Painting Eisenhower Building would diminish historic character of White House complex, report says”
