Trump is racking up the costs on his White House redecoration.
The president’s administration is reportedly spending $1.75 million on furniture for the White House and associated offices.
According to NBC News, these costs include “$17,000 for custom rugs, $7,000 for ‘furniture pedestals,’ and $5,000 for wallpaper.” The administration is also reportedly spending $12,800 for a “custom conference table from a company that made one for Richard M. Nixon in 1969.” Oh, and then there’s the $291,000 for office walls, and another $240,000 for “wood office furniture.”
It is common practice for incoming presidents to redecorate the White House; in fact, they are provided an allotment in federal funds and given money from the White House Historical Association. Nevertheless, the price tag on Trump’s redecoration is higher than that of presidents past. Obama spent approximately $1.5 million in the same period of time, at least some of which was reportedly paid for out-of-pocket.
NBC reports that it is unclear whether Trump is also paying for his renovations himself. A White House spokesperson is reportedly looking into the matter.
Historically, new presidents are allocated $100,000 in government funding for these renovation projects. According to CNN, President George W. Bush spent over $60,000 on a new Oval Office rug, and used $74,000 from the White House Historical Association to buy a new set of china.
While the Obamas were in the Oval Office, the $590,000 remodel of the State Dining Room was also covered by the White House Historical Association. The last time the room had been redecorated was during the Clinton administration, at which time the Association covered the $341,000 bill.