President Donald Trump's proposal to apply a coat of white paint to the granite exterior of the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) is set for a hearing on Thursday before a key federal agency. The plan, part of a broader effort to beautify Washington, has sparked significant opposition from preservationists, architects, and historians.
Details of the Proposal
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is scheduled to begin considering the proposal, which calls for painting all or most of the building's gray granite exterior white. Trump has described the current gray color as "really bad." An alternative proposal suggests painting most of the building white while leaving the granite base unpainted.
White House official Josh Fisher told the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in April that the administration prefers painting the entire building due to staining and disrepair. He noted that experts could not guarantee that cleaning alone would improve the building's condition.
Opposition and Concerns
Critics argue that granite is not meant to be painted and that paint could trap moisture, deteriorate the stone, and fail to address underlying issues. Hundreds of public comments submitted to the NCPC overwhelmingly oppose the plan, citing potential harm to the historic structure and taxpayer expense.
The Society of Architectural Historians sent a letter to Will Scharf, a top White House aide and NCPC chair, warning that the project would "adversely and permanently alter this important part of American heritage."
Staff Recommendations
NCPC staff recommend supporting cleaning of the building but call for more information on paint type and successful precedents for painting exterior granite. They also suggest exploring alternatives such as improved landscaping and lighting.
The EEOB, a National Historic Landmark, is a prime example of French Second Empire architecture. It originally housed the State, War, and Navy departments and now contains ceremonial offices for the vice president and other White House components.
A lawsuit challenging the paint job is pending in federal court. The fine arts commission previously asked for more information, including paint testing results, before making a decision.
