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.
Read More
In response to criticism of the president’s use of social media, Speaker Johnson defended his strategy. He argued the president uses social media effectively, leveraging satire to make his points, unlike those allegedly calling for violence against political opponents. Johnson further criticized a recent rally, falsely labeling it as anti-American, while highlighting its peaceful nature and the irony of its organizers’ stance. He contrasted the rally’s demands with the actions of a hypothetical king, pointing out how President Trump’s influence, if he were a king, would have shut down the event.
Read More
Following the signing of a bill that reduced Medicaid funding, President Trump announced plans for a $200 million, gold-accented ballroom attached to the White House’s East Wing. The timing of this announcement drew significant criticism, with many online users comparing the project to the opulence of Versailles, especially given the simultaneous cuts to healthcare access for millions. Social media was flooded with outrage, including memes referencing the French Revolution and the use of guillotines. The administration downplayed the criticism, insisting the ballroom was a “legacy project” funded by private donors, however, the public’s reaction was largely negative.
Read More
On July 31, the White House unveiled plans to modernize and expand the East Wing by constructing a $200 million ballroom. The new ballroom, designed to accommodate 650 guests, will feature opulent details like gold chandeliers and Greek columns, replacing the East Room as the primary event space. This project, funded by President Trump and private donors, will begin in September. The East Wing’s current occupants will be temporarily relocated.
Read More
President Trump is planning a significant Mar-a-Lago-style makeover for the East Wing, including the construction of a new ballroom, set to begin in September at an estimated cost of $200 million funded by the president and private donors. The new ballroom will be approximately 90,000 square feet, nearly double the size of the current White House, and will have a capacity of 650 people. The project will also relocate offices currently in the East Wing, and is the latest in a series of White House construction projects under Trump’s administration, following renovations like the Rose Garden’s overhaul and gold leafing in the Oval Office.
Read More
Addressing a crowded room, Trump claimed he proposed constructing a $100 million White House ballroom, mirroring Mar-a-Lago’s grandeur, but received no response from the Biden administration. He humorously suggested self-approving the project, despite his history of charging the government significant sums. While asserting the ballroom would be self-funded, his past financial dealings raise questions about the project’s true cost. Ultimately, the proposal remains unconfirmed.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker