By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Construction on Donald Trump’s lavish $250 million ballroom at the White House is underway, with recent photos revealing extensive demolition of the East Wing. Critics, including public officials and preservation groups, express outrage over the destruction of the historic building for what is seen as a vanity project. Concerns are also being raised about the project’s financing, with Democrats alleging a potential cash-for-access scheme despite claims that private donors will cover the costs. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has urged a pause in demolition until the project undergoes the necessary public review processes.
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Trump Cranks Up His White House Destruction Job as Backlash Rages
So, let’s just lay it all out there. The picture emerging is one of sheer audacity. It’s almost unbelievable, but here we are. He’s reportedly planning to “donate” a significant sum to fund this extravagant renovation. But, wouldn’t you know it, he’s also asking the Department of Justice to cough up the exact same amount. Meanwhile, federal employees are struggling without paychecks. It’s hard to believe, but it’s real.
Let’s just remember, we’re mired in a government shutdown. This means real people are working without pay, or forced to stay home and miss a month’s worth of wages. Farmers, including many who supported him, are losing their livelihoods because of his policies. And what’s his response? He decides now is a perfect moment to tear down part of a historic building for a new ballroom the country doesn’t need. It’s like we’ve stumbled into a bad reality TV show.
We are watching a literal deconstruction of history. It’s almost too much symbolism to bear. He’s already figuratively decimated the office and the country, so why not make it literal? Normal construction, you’d think, would involve scaffolding and careful work. But this feels more like idiocracy. Building a palace while farmers fail. It’s deeply offensive, and it reflects everything that’s been wrong since he took office. Can you imagine the outrage if a past President had even considered something similar? It’s like Putin is gleefully watching, and celebrating.
The autocrats of history have always tried to create things that would be long remembered and admired. But Trump seems determined to leave a legacy of desolation or tacky excess. He wants to leave his mark with ugliness. There’s a strong suspicion he’ll never finish this ballroom, and just pocket the money. And that’s the real kicker: actions have consequences, especially illegal and greedy ones.
Reports show the demolition company has been flooded with negative reviews. Democrats are furious, and even Republicans are expressing concern. There’s a feeling this won’t end; it’s going to be a never-ending construction project. Someone made a video that breaks down the laws potentially being broken. But some people think that in the long run, this will become the new normal.
So the call is to resist, resist hard. Call the construction crew and make their phones ring off the hook. He might say, “Oh, the White House deteriorated so badly under the last administration, believe me.” And that he’s going to renovate it to be beautiful. It’s been said before, that he stiffed contractors on previous projects. He just doesn’t pay, and they run out of money trying to get justice. He’s a repeat offender. It’s hard to believe anything he says. It doesn’t matter what is said or what is done.
Should we appreciate the historical significance of older, preserved architecture? Absolutely. Are renovations sometimes necessary? Of course. The problem here is that Trump is a raging narcissist with terrible taste who is destroying a historic building to build a project for himself while the government is shut down and Congress is attacking healthcare.
The whole thing is self-centered, vanity, and will result in a gross ballroom. We are living inside a bad comic strip. This is a travesty. What if he decided to tear down the whole White House and replace it? It’s an ugly vanity project. The man himself lives in what is arguably the tackiest house imaginable. And when his administration was hiding classified documents, the state of the rooms was less of a shock than how absolutely awful they looked.
And what will this new room mean? It’s a gold-plated place for the rich and powerful to purchase his attention. At the same time, people’s benefits are being slashed. He is the worst president we’ve ever had. And that’s saying something. Fuck MAGA and fuck Trump! He hates the people who don’t worship him.
What would happen if the air traffic controllers and other unpaid workers decided to walk out? It would be a crime. If the Democrats take control in the midterms, they should have a long list of impeachable offenses ready to go. The idea has come up, to just use explosives. A metaphor for our civic institutions. The next President, should tear down the ballroom and start anew.
He claims it will be built with donations, but it’s the people’s house. Who gave him the right? It reminds me of the Taliban destroying ancient statues.