General Discussion

But the new White House patio had chairs and umbrella tables that were orange. it looks like he wants that patio space for a bunch of umbrella tables like it's a theme park.
Psychologically it makes sense - he loves being the honoree/headliner in front of a crowd and that's what he's used to.
That's what the ballroom is for - the indoor version of that with less weather interference. The patio is for that so he doesn't have to wait.
Remember how there were always reports that he'd crash weddings at Mar-a-Lago and officiate as a celebrity whether requested to or not?
That's the point of these refurbs that are longer than 3 years since he's planning to stay there - or hoping this is the last place he stays.

Blue-sky thinking way forward I don't think having that kind of space at the White House is a bad thing, but his concept is cramming in as many people as possible.
I hope it gets re-planted as a garden, and then instead of umbrella tables there could be a terrace with a pavilion or colonnade structure as part of it - perhaps matching the columns of the White House with a roof and it could have outdoor tables for smaller events, lawn and garden seating. More designed garden space, less food-court seating.