At a Glance
- The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was dedicated by Lady Bird Johnson on April 22, 1965.
- In Oct. 20, 2025, a backhoe tore through the East Wing to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
- The White House intends to rebuild the garden, with construction expected to finish by 2028.
- Why it matters: The garden’s demolition marks a rare loss of a historic White House feature named after a former first lady.
The historic Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was torn from the White House’s East Wing on October 20, 2025, to make way for a new ballroom under President Donald Trump. The garden, dedicated by Lady Bird Johnson in 1965, had served as a quiet retreat and public event space for six decades. Trump’s 90,000-square-foot addition is slated for completion in 2028, and officials say the garden will be rebuilt, though details remain uncertain.
The Garden’s Origins
Lady Bird Johnson, the first lady at the time, led a ceremony that brought the spirit of the 1960s into the White House. She recalled:
> “Only a short while ago, sometimes it seems only days, this wonderful old building was occupied by the 35th American president and his first lady,” Johnson told the guests.
The garden was designed by horticulturist Bunny Mellon and positioned opposite the Rose Garden, along the East Colonnade. It was intended as a place for repose and reflection for the Kennedys.
- Designers: Bunny Mellon (horticulturist), I. M. Pei (architect of the pergola).
- Location: East Colonnade, opposite the Rose Garden.
- Purpose: A quiet space for the President and First Lady, and a public viewing spot for visitors.
The dedication ceremony on April 22, 1965 was attended by members of the Kennedy family, including Robert F. Kennedy, his wife Ethel, and Jackie’s mother Janet Lee Auchincloss. Auchincloss delivered remarks honoring the garden’s connection to Jackie.
> “I know you’ll understand that I cannot express how I feel at this tribute to my daughter. Very few people have been so honored,” she said.
Significance and Usage
Over the years, the garden became a secondary event space. It hosted presidential award ceremonies, first-ladies’ parties, and tea times. During Hillary Clinton’s tenure, it was transformed into a sculpture garden featuring contemporary American works, emphasizing the arts’ role in public life.
The garden was also one of the first sights for millions of visitors on public tours. Guests entered through the East Wing and looked out through large glass windows along the East Colonnade, taking in the greenery.
Demolition and New Project
On Oct. 20, 2025, a backhoe began a surprise demolition of the historic East Wing. The entire east side of the White House complex was razed, including the East Colonnade and the garden.
A White House official told News Of Los Angeles after the garden’s quiet demolition that the plan is to rebuild Jackie’s namesake green space. The official added:
> “The scope and the size of the overall [ballroom] project has always been subject to vary as the project develops,” and “we will have more specifics to share as we go along.”
In a Jan. 8 meeting with the National Capital Planning Commission, Trump’s ballroom architect presented renderings of the new East Wing. The renderings show a garden along the East Colonnade, but they do not specify whether it will mirror Jackie’s original design or retain her name.
The White House Ballroom is expected to be completed by 2028.
Future Plans
While the garden has been demolished, officials have confirmed that it will be rebuilt. The exact size, design, and name of the new garden remain to be determined. The project’s scope may evolve as construction progresses.
Key Takeaways
- The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was dedicated in 1965 and demolished in 2025.
- Trump’s new 90,000-square-foot ballroom will replace the East Wing.
- Rebuilding the garden is planned, but details are pending.
- The project reflects the ongoing evolution of the White House’s architectural and public spaces.
The garden’s removal is a significant moment in White House history, marking the loss of a space that honored a beloved first lady and served the nation for sixty years.
