'I'm Very Good at Grass.' Why Trump Goes Into the Weeds on One of His Favorite Topics

President Donald Trump has made grass a frequent topic of discussion since returning to the White House, speaking about lawns at numerous public events and in interviews over the past 18 months, mentioning the subject at least once every 12 days across more than 45 occasions, alongside social media posts on the topic.

Trump's interest stems from his background as a New York real estate developer and his ownership of multiple golf courses. Five weeks into his second term, he pointed to the Oval Office window during an interview and outlined plans to pave over much of the lawn. More recently, he told military spouses, "Grass is like humans. It has a life."

The president has attributed his knowledge to his golf course holdings, stating, "I know a lot about grass because I own a lot of golf courses. And, if you don't have good grass, you're not in business very long." He later declared, "I know more about grass than any human being, I think, anywhere in the world."

Trump has brought up grass at varied events, from signing an executive order on TikTok to a Diwali celebration, and he frequently connects the topic to his Washington beautification efforts. During a Republican lawmakers' dinner, he pledged that green spaces in the capital would be re-grassed "with the best guys in the country," And later asserted, "I'm very good at grass."

The president often discusses grass while defending his decisions to remove it for construction projects, including a stone patio near the Rose Garden. He has recounted complaints from women about their high heels getting stuck in the old, muddy lawn, saying they "would go down like quicksand."

Recent lawn removal includes areas damaged by a UFC octagon erected for his 80th birthday in June and ongoing helicopter landing pad construction. Trump explained that the newer Marine One fleet damages grass when landing, with turf being "ripped out" During operations.

Scotts Miracle-Gro donated $1 million in support to the National Park Service for South Lawn restoration. During a June meeting with the company's lawns research fellow Matt Koch, Trump selected a custom grass blend of tall fescues and Kentucky bluegrasses. Koch described the discussion as "an amazing dialogue, talking grass for half an hour" And characterized Trump as an honorary "grass nerd."

Restoration plans include reseeding in spring once helipad construction concludes. Trump has indicated his vision for Washington's parks, pledging they will "look like Augusta" And "more importantly, Trump National Golf Club."