Remember The Reflecting Pool Fiasco?

Well, wait for round two... with a new, improved paint for the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB). Trump is going to paint over the granite because he doesn't like the color. It looks ugly.

Preservationists Move to Stop Trump from Testing New Paint on Iconic 1800s Landmark He Called ‘Ugly’ (Exclusive)

A law firm plans to seek an emergency injunction to block paint testing on the Eisenhower Executive Office Building

People

By Angelique Brenes

July 30, 2026

NEED TO KNOW

• Preservationists are seeking an emergency injunction to stop the Trump administration from testing paint on the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building
• The proposed testing is part of Donald Trump’s plan to paint the National Historic Landmark white as part of a broader renovation effort
• “This is a terrible idea,” preservation attorney Greg Werkheiser said as opponents argue the project could permanently damage the iconic building

Preservationists are taking their fight against Donald Trump’s proposed makeover of one of Washington, D.C.’s most recognizable buildings back to court.

Groups challenging Trump’s plan to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) plan to file a renewed motion for a preliminary injunction on Thursday, July 30. They are asking a federal court to halt paint testing that could begin as early as Aug. 3 while the legality of the project is resolved, Cultural Heritage Partners said in a statement shared exclusively with PEOPLE ahead of the filing.

Cultural Heritage Partners said the planned motion comes after the White House announced its intention to begin a paint feasibility study on portions of the landmark. The group also said the administration had previously assured the court that no such work would move forward before complying with federal historic preservation and environmental laws.

Trump is like a bull in a china shop; he doesn't care what he breaks or who he breaks.

Trump has long defended the proposal, arguing a fresh coat of paint would improve the appearance of the historic building.

During an appearance on The Ingraham Angle in November 2025, Trump displayed a rendering of the proposed renovation.

“You know it was always considered an ugly building, and it’s actually one of the most beautiful buildings ever built,” Trump said.

The Washington Post writes;

Kelley is one of more than two dozen experts in preservation, materials and heritage arguing in district court against the Trump administration’s plan to paint the massive EEOB white, to match the nearby White House. It is unnecessary, costly and it could damage the stone, they say, leading to a “taxpayers’ nightmare,” as the building would have to be regularly repainted, keeping it potentially under scaffolding in perpetuity.

You see, the problem is no one knows what a coat of paint would do to the granite—will it stick or will it damage the granite? No one knows, so the National Park Service is testing the paint, but it is not fast enough for little Donny; he is sooo... impatient!

Trump plan to use ‘magic’ paint will ruin Eisenhower building, restoration experts say

Silicate paint won’t strengthen the exterior granite or keep water out, as President Trump has claimed, 25 specialists say in a Q&A prepared by preservationists suing to stop the renovation project.

Construction Drive

Robert Freedman

April 16, 2026

 A plan by President Donald Trump to paint the granite facade of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House with a white mineral silicate-based masonry paint that he has called a “magic paint” won’t work in the way he has said, according to 25 restoration specialists.

“Mineral silicate paints are not suited for use on granite,” the specialists said in a Q&A prepared by preservationists seeking to stop the plan. “These paints do not chemically bond to granite in the manner necessary to activate their powers to strengthen and protect underlying stone.” 

Um... ah... um... Just like the paint that peeled off the Reflecting Pool!

Cultural Heritage Partners, the D.C. Preservation League and others sued President Trump, the General Services Administration and the National Park Service in November for violating federal laws that require work on a historically significant building to be undertaken only after public notice and in consultation with stakeholders.  

In the Q&A they prepared, the plaintiffs say President Trump has asserted there exists a “‘magic paint with silicate’” that, if applied to the exterior granite of the building, would strengthen the stone, keep water out, prevent staining, be easy to apply and rarely require repainting. None of those claims is true, according to the specialists.

That means nothing to Trump literally and figuratively... he just doesn't care if it comes out as crap.

Stay tuned for Round II of little Dutch Boy Donny with his can of paint!