President Donald Trump recently commended Scotts Miracle-Gro during an Oval Office appearance. The lawn-and-garden company was celebrated for offering free services to restore the White House grounds. Trump highlighted Scotts’ capability to deliver excellent grass for Washington, D.C. parks, commenting, “They do great grass. What can I tell you? I gotta give them a plug because they did the White House for free.” He noted the offer was accepted following a friend’s proposal to replace the lawn, stating, “I said, ‘I’ll take it. How much?’ He said, ‘Free.’
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Newsweek, “President Trump is generously donating his time and resources to beautify the People’s House, a project which past presidents only dreamed about.” Calls from Americans and companies eager to contribute have poured in since announcing this plan.
A Free South Lawn Restoration
Following Scotts Miracle-Gro’s announcement in June, the firm committed $1 million in financial aid, products, and technical support to the National Park Service for the South Lawn restoration after the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14. The restoration features sod and a custom turfgrass blend chosen by Trump from eight options. Jim Hagedorn, Scotts’ chairman and CEO at the time, called the South Lawn “a living piece of U.S. history” and emphasized the importance of Scotts’ contribution.
Campaign finance records from OpenSecrets indicate that Scotts Miracle-Gro and its affiliates donated $770,496 during the 2024 cycle, including $500,000 to Make America Great Again Inc., identified as a leading pro-Trump super PAC.
Glyphosate Named a Priority
Trump’s promotion came months after signing an executive order in February prioritizing elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides under the Defense Production Act (DPA). The order recognized glyphosate’s importance in U.S. agriculture, urging the agriculture secretary to ensure a sufficient supply. This raised environmental concerns. Though Scotts wasn’t named in the order, it plays a major role in the consumer Roundup market as Monsanto’s exclusive agent for marketing and distributing Roundup-branded products in the U.S. since 1998.
Roundup Litigation
Bayer has been embroiled in litigation concerning Roundup and glyphosate, asserting the product’s safety. A Supreme Court ruling in June strengthened Monsanto’s stance in Roundup litigation, potentially blocking numerous suits related to cancer warnings.
What’s Next
Scotts Miracle-Gro’s lawn restoration fits into Trump’s broader initiative to revamp the White House complex. Trump’s improvements in office include installing new flagpoles, modifying the Rose Garden, and updating the Oval Office. The administration is proceeding with constructing a new White House ballroom, which Trump advocates for hosting larger events. While supporters argue these changes modernize the White House, critics raise concerns about the cost and historical impact. As private offers for further upgrades continue, Trump’s vision for the presidential campus may soon unfold.