Two newly placed statues—believed to be Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson—were spotted in the corners of the paved-over White House Rose Garden when President Donald Trump returned Sunday night. The additions appeared while Mr. Trump was away after he ordered surprise strikes on Iran, a campaign that U.S. Central Command said resulted in three American deaths and five serious injuries. Mr. Trump declined to take reporters' questions about the strikes but briefly praised the new garden statues.
Two New Statues Appear in White House Rose Garden as President Orders Strikes on Iran
The two statues mark the newest additions to Trump's tacky redecoration of the White House Rose Garden. / Pete Marovich / Pete Marovich/Getty Images
Two newly placed statues appeared in the corners of the paved-over White House Rose Garden while President Donald Trump was away, according to multiple media reports. The additions were noticed when the president returned to the White House on Sunday night after ordering surprise strikes on Iran earlier that weekend.
Statues Installed While President Was Away
The sculptures, which appear to depict Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, were not present when Mr. Trump left for Texas on Friday, PBS White House correspondent Liz Landers reported. They were later observed in the corners of the redesigned, paved Rose Garden patio.
Trump praised the new statues while leaving reporters hanging regarding updates for his war on Iran. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
President's Return and Reaction
After disembarking Marine One on Sunday night, President Trump declined to answer reporters' questions about the U.S. military action or casualties, CNN senior White House correspondent Kristen Holmes said. Holmes added that the president did briefly praise the new statue before departing.
Surprise Strikes on Iran and Reported Casualties
Mr. Trump announced the surprise aerial bombing campaign after attending a black-tie gala at Mar-a-Lago earlier that evening, where he was photographed dancing to Lee Greenwood’s "God Bless the U.S.A." Iranian state and other outlets reported that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in Saturday’s strikes, and that several senior Iranian officials—including the defense minister and a senior IRGC commander—were also killed.
Iranian state TV confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died as a result of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Saturday. / Iranian Leader's Press Office - Handout/Anadolu Agency/Getty
U.S. Central Command said on Sunday morning that three American servicemembers had been killed since the start of "Operation Epic Fury," and that five others had been seriously wounded. In a video statement, the president said "there will likely be more" American military personnel killed before the conflict concludes and pledged the U.S. would "avenge their deaths."
Rose Garden Changes
The two statues are the latest visible alterations to the Rose Garden, which was converted into a paved patio after renovation work last June and has drawn criticism from some observers for its new look.
White House Response
The Daily Beast and other outlets reported seeking comment from the White House. At the time of reporting, the White House had not provided an official statement about the statues' installation or the timeline for their placement.
Note: This article summarizes multiple media reports. Some details — including casualty figures and claims about Iranian leadership — were reported by various outlets and official statements; readers should consult primary official sources for confirmation.
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