Federal Judge Approves Paint Tests on the Eisenhower Executive Office Building

A U.S. District Judge has granted the Trump administration permission to conduct limited paint tests on the 19th-century Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB), which adjoins the White House. The tests will involve roughly eight square feet of exterior surface and several interior panels that are not visible to the public. The ruling is confined to testing; it does not authorize a full repainting of the landmark. The administration has indicated a desire to paint the entire exterior white, a move that could cost taxpayers at least $7.5 million, according to a White House official.

The Hill

The paint proposal is part of the administration’s broader “beautify” initiative targeting federal landmarks in Washington, D.C. President Trump has previously criticized the EEOB’s gray stone, describing it as a “really bad color.” The building, constructed between 1871 and 1888, is a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, prompting heightened scrutiny from preservation groups.

The Hill

Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled that the preservationists’ concerns did not demonstrate a likelihood of “irreparable harm,” allowing the limited testing to proceed. She emphasized that the order applies only to the test phase and warned that she could intervene if the administration moves beyond testing. Friedrich also directed both parties to submit a status report by the following week, along with regular updates. The White House has framed the testing as a necessary step toward the eventual full repainting.

The Hill

Preservationists and historians have voiced strong opposition, arguing that a white coating could trap moisture in the granite and damage the historic structure. Attorney Gregory Werkheiser, representing one of the plaintiffs through Cultural Heritage Partners, expressed disappointment with the ruling, asserting that the president’s actions effectively bypassed the General Services Administration’s authority and could set a dangerous precedent for historic properties nationwide.

The Hill

The judge’s order includes a requirement for a status report within a week, signaling that further judicial review may be triggered if the administration proceeds beyond the approved testing phase.

The Hill