The Koi Pond

The President Who Loved Koi Ponds

Donald Trump was known for his love of golf and luxurious lifestyle. However, one lesser-known interest of his was his love for gardening and koi ponds. The story goes that during his first visit to Japan, he was fascinated with the beautiful koi fish that were kept in ponds. Consequently, when he became the President, he got his koi pond built in the White House gardens.

The pond was constructed in the summer of 2017 and was one of the first things that the President wanted to see when he moved into the White House. The koi pond was dreamt up by President Trump during his time at Trump Tower, where he kept an aquarium in his office. He wanted to recreate that calming vibe of the underwater garden at the White House, so he enlisted the renowned Japanese designer, Kazuyuki Ishihara, to design it.

The Design of the Koi Pond

Kazuyuki Ishihara is famous for his designs of Japanese gardens. He designed the koi pond to symbolize the natural world, showcasing how humans fit in with nature. The pond was built by a team of over 15 people, including Japanese gardeners, American construction workers, and engineers. The pond spanned over several levels, with rocks, natural stones, and boulders placed artfully around the entire area.

One unique feature of the pond was the inclusion of a small waterfall and a bubbler. These created an ambiance of peace and tranquility, with the sound of trickling water in the background. The koi fish were also carefully selected from Japanese breeders, based on their breed, size, and color.

Controversy Surrounding the Koi Pond

Unsurprisingly, the koi pond at the White House came under scrutiny due to its high maintenance cost. The rumors that the pond cleaning cost amounted to $250,000 were, however, not true. Although the overall upkeep of the garden and the koi pond was expensive, it was not as high as rumored.

Furthermore, the koi pond faced controversy when President Trump dumped the contents of a fish food packet into the pond during a state visit by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2017. It was later deemed a faux pas in Japanese culture, as it was seen as unprofessional behavior.

The End of the Koi Pond Legacy

The koi pond had high significance to President Trump, and many people believed that it was a testament to his love for gardening and his Japanese counterparts. However, the administration did not prioritize its upkeep, and it ended up becoming overgrown and filled with algae. By 2020, it was a shadow of its former self.

In conclusion, the koi pond at the White House was a testament to President Trump’s interest in gardening and Japanese culture. Although it faced some controversies, it was a beautiful addition to the White House gardens. However, the maintenance cost and lack of care led to its eventual demise. The legacy of the koi pond will always be remembered, and hopefully, future presidents will take inspiration from it and invest in new koi ponds.