On Monday, President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude towards Scotts Miracle-Gro during an Oval Office appearance, acknowledging their contribution to restoring the White House grounds without charge. Trump spoke to reporters, commending the company for providing “the best grass you can get” to parks in Washington, D.C., and highlighted their voluntary work at the White House. He stated, “They do great grass. What can I tell you? I gotta give them a plug because they did the White House for free.” Trump explained that he accepted the offer after a friend suggested replacing the lawn at no cost.
A White House spokesperson, Davis Ingle, informed Newsweek that President Trump is actively participating in the beautification of the People’s House—a vision that past presidents aspired to. Following this plan’s announcement, the administration received numerous calls from generous Americans and companies eager to contribute to the project.
A Free South Lawn Restoration
Scotts Miracle-Gro announced in June its contribution of $1 million in cash, products, and technical support to the National Park Service for restoring the South Lawn post the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14. The renovation included sod and a custom turfgrass blend, specifically chosen by Trump from eight options provided by Scotts. Jim Hagedorn, the company’s chairman and CEO, emphasized the importance of the South Lawn, calling it “a living piece of U.S. history.” Their involvement symbolizes a commitment to enhancing “the nation’s most recognizable backyard.”
According to campaign finance records reviewed by OpenSecrets, Scotts Miracle-Gro and affiliates donated $770,496 during the 2024 cycle, with $500,000 directed to Make America Great Again Inc., acknowledged as the main pro-Trump super PAC.
Glyphosate Concerns
The White House promotion coincided with a controversial February executive order by Trump prioritizing supplies of glyphosate-based herbicides under the Defense Production Act (DPA). Glyphosate is deemed “a cornerstone” for U.S. agricultural productivity in the order, escalating concerns among scientists and environmentalists.
Though Scotts Miracle-Gro is not named in the order, it plays a significant role as the “exclusive agent” for marketing and distributing Roundup-branded products by Monsanto, a Bayer subsidiary, in the U.S. Since 1998, Scotts has distributed Roundup products to retailers, although they do not own the brand.
Roundup Litigation
Bayer faces significant litigation over Roundup and glyphosate, asserting the product’s safety. Recently, a Supreme Court ruling reinforced Monsanto’s stance in Roundup litigation, with Newsweek reporting that the 7-2 decision could prevent numerous lawsuits accusing the company of failing to warn consumers about potential cancer risks.
Future Developments
The Scotts Miracle-Gro lawn restoration is a component of Trump’s ambition to transform the White House complex. This initiative includes new flagpoles, alterations to the Rose Garden, and extensive updates to the Oval Office. A new ballroom construction aims to accommodate larger state events. These changes have sparked debate regarding cost, aesthetics, and historical significance, particularly concerning iconic spaces like the Rose Garden and the ballroom. Supporters claim these modifications modernize the White House and resolve longstanding logistical issues.
With additional contributions from private citizens and companies for improvement projects, further modifications to the grounds are likely as Trump continues shaping his broader vision for the presidential campus.
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