President Donald Trump publicly praised Scotts Miracle-Gro during an Oval Office meeting. He highlighted the lawn-and-garden company’s generosity in restoring the White House grounds without charge. Trump described the company as providing “the best grass you can get” for Washington D.C. parks. He added, “They do great grass. I gotta give them a plug because they did the White House for free.”
Trump said a “friend” approached him with the offer to replace the White House lawn. Trump accepted the offer without hesitation. “I said, ‘I’ll take it. How much?’ He said, ‘Free,’” Trump recounted. According to White House spokesperson Davis Ingle, this initiative has inspired other Americans and companies to offer similar support.
The remarks followed Scotts Miracle-Gro’s June announcement that it would provide $1 million worth of resources to help restore the South Lawn after the UFC Freedom 250 event.
The support includes money, products, and technical expertise for the National Park Service. Scotts Miracle-Gro revealed that the effort would involve sod and a custom turfgrass blend designed specifically for the South Lawn. Trump chose the blend from eight options provided by the company. At the time, Jim Hagedorn, then chairman and CEO of Scotts, acknowledged the South Lawn as “a living piece of U.S. history.”
Scotts Miracle-Gro and its affiliates have also played a role in campaign finance. OpenSecrets reported contributions totaling $770,496 during the 2024 cycle, including $500,000 to Make America Great Again Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC.
Executive Orders and Scotts’ Role
In February, Trump signed an executive order under the Defense Production Act (DPA). This prioritized supplies of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, items deemed critical to U.S. agriculture. The order highlighted the importance of these supplies, but Scotts was not specifically mentioned. However, the company plays a key role in the consumer Roundup market. It acts as the “exclusive agent” of Monsanto for marketing and distributing certain Roundup products in the U.S. since 1998.
Roundup Litigation
Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto, has faced numerous lawsuits regarding Roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate. The company maintains the product’s safety. A Supreme Court decision strengthened Monsanto’s position in related litigation, potentially blocking thousands of lawsuits alleging a cancer risk.
Further White House Improvements
The Scotts Miracle-Gro project is part of a larger effort by Trump to renovate the White House and its surroundings. Recent updates include new flagpoles, changes to the Rose Garden, and enhancements to the Oval Office. Plans for a new White House ballroom are underway, aimed at hosting larger state events.
While some criticize the changes for costs and historical concerns, supporters argue they modernize the White House. With more offers from private citizens and companies, further renovations may align with Trump’s vision for the presidential complex.
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