• Trump reveals renovation of the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom, featuring black and white marble.
• Critics express concern over the timing amid a prolonged government shutdown.
• Renovations include gold fixtures and new chandeliers, drawing preservationist criticism.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump showcased the newly renovated bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House, which features a design in black and white polished Statuary marble. Trump claimed this design is "very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln" and noted that the original decor was "totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era," referring to the previous art deco green tiles installed during Harry Truman's renovations in the 1940s, according to SCMP and India Times.

The renovation also includes luxurious gold fixtures such as faucets and wall sconces. While Trump shared dozens of photos on social media, the announcement was met with sharp criticism as the government shutdown entered its 31st day. Critics, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, noted that the focus on a bathroom renovation appeared "tone-deaf" amid pressing issues facing the American public, according to India Times and BBC.

Trump's ongoing renovations have included more than just the Lincoln bathroom; the East Wing of the White House has been demolished to make way for a new ballroom, a decision criticized by conservationists who argue it disrupts the historical integrity of the White House. This remodel has drawn ire from political opponents who feel these efforts are a distraction from critical governmental responsibilities, especially during the ongoing shutdown that impacts vital federal services, as reported by BBC.