US President Donald Trump has proposed using what he described as “magic paint” to coat the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB), a historic 19th-century government building located next to the White House. The proposal, which has been under consideration since late 2025, would see the building’s gray granite exterior repainted bright white as part of broader renovation efforts during Trump's second term.
Trump has argued that the specialized silicate-based paint would protect the structure by preventing water damage and staining while enhancing its appearance. The plans were submitted to the US Commission of Fine Arts, which is expected to review the proposal.
However, preservation groups and experts have raised concerns about the potential impact on the building’s historic granite facade. According to experts cited by CNN, the material is not suited to this type of paint and could suffer permanent damage. Two preservation organizations have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the changes, arguing they do not meet required review standards.
The proposal is the latest in a series of high-profile modifications to the White House complex during Trump’s second term. Click on to take a look back at the presidents who have made the most significant changes to the White House.