The Current State of Michelle Obama's Garden at the White House
The controversy surrounding the garden that Michelle Obama tended to at the White House is a complex topic that has garnered significant media attention. Even simpletons can find evidence that the climate along the Gulf Coast is getting warmer, but the matter of the garden itself has been a subject of debate. Why Paul can’t figure it out is indeed an exercise left to the reader.
What Happened to Michelle Obama’s Garden?
The garden itself has faced numerous changes, none of which were due to natural evolution. After Michelle Obama meticulously maintained the garden, a new occupant of the White House decided to make alterations. The little twit, often accused of being a gold-digger, removed all the work Michelle had put in and had it redone to suit her own tastes. However, it did not last long. The garden was a symbol not just of Michelle Obama's work, but also of two things that the Trump administration strongly disliked: people named Obama and vegetables.
Maintained by the National Park Service with Grants
Still, one might wonder if there was no way to maintain the garden. The answer is not exactly straightforward. The garden is currently being maintained by the National Park Service, with financial assistance from the Burpee Seed Company, which amounted to over $2 million. This grant was initially provided to continue the legacy of Michelle Obama's garden, but it was quickly removed due to political reasons, as the Trump administration saw it as representing an abhorrent past.
Melania Trump's Efforts vs. the Obama Era
Melania Trump, as first lady, did manage to keep up with some of Michelle Obama's legacy projects, including the White House vegetable garden. According to Vanity Fair, published on July 7, 2020, Melania made few measurable changes but did maintain Michelle Obama's vegetable garden, despite the political fallout.
However, the current administration under Donald Trump has taken a different approach. It is claimed that the garden is now filled with Whoppers and Big Macs, picked every morning by the Trumps, seemingly symbolizing a shift in dietary preferences and an end to the legacy of the vegetable garden.
History of the White House Garden
It is important to note that the garden itself has a long and storied history. It was started by Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1940s and has been maintained ever since. The garden has been a symbol of community and shared responsibility, encouraging Americans to grow their own fruits and vegetables during times of scarcity and surplus.
Conclusion
The current state of Michelle Obama's garden at the White House reflects the complex interplay of politics and tradition. While it is maintained for the moment, the legacy of Michelle Obama's efforts is under threat. This is more than a simple issue of gardening; it is a symbol of the changing times and the battles fought for social change.