Construction is underway at the White House, with heavy machinery dismantling part of the East Wing as President Donald Trump’s long-discussed ballroom addition begins to take shape. The 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which aims to accommodate nearly 1,000 people, is projected to cost $250 million, funded by private donors and Trump’s personal contributions.
What Happened
The project to build a new ballroom at the White House has sparked strong reactions, particularly from Democrats. The ballroom, which is said to fulfill a 150-year-old desire for a space to host grand events, is expected to become a centerpiece of the White House. President Trump highlighted the significance of the project during an event on Monday, proudly announcing the ballroom’s creation as part of his ongoing renovations at the White House.
“We’re building a ballroom. They’ve wanted a ballroom for 150 years, and I’m giving that honor to this wonderful place,” Trump remarked, referring to the addition during an event with the Louisiana State University baseball teams. The project, estimated to cost $250 million, will include luxurious features, including a massive HVAC system donated by air conditioning giant Carrier. However, the full list of donors remains undisclosed.
Criticism and Political Reactions
The announcement of the ballroom has stirred criticism, particularly from Democratic leaders. California Gov. Gavin Newsom took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment on Trump’s priorities: “Trump’s priorities: bulldozing the White House (with a green check mark) – reopening the government (with a red x emoji).” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also voiced his disapproval, calling the project unnecessary when it was first revealed in July.
“Trump announced plans to build himself a new White House ballroom so he can eat his cheeseburgers in there in luxury,” Schumer said. “Listen, I’m happy to eat my cheeseburger at my desk, I don’t need a $200 million dollar ballroom to eat it in.”
Trump’s Perspective and Other Changes
Despite the criticism, Trump has defended the ballroom as a necessary and historic addition to the White House. He likened the construction sounds to “music to my ears,” adding that the project was a reminder of money and success. In addition to the ballroom, Trump has already made alterations to other parts of the White House, including transforming the Rose Garden into a patio hosting area.
What Happens Next
As the project progresses, further developments are expected, though critics continue to express concern over the cost and priorities of such an expensive renovation amidst ongoing government challenges. The ballroom marks the most significant change to the White House since the addition of the Truman balcony in 1948, and it remains to be seen whether public opinion will shift as more details of the project unfold.
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This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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