Trump Plans 90,000-Square-Foot White House Ballroom Amid Bipartisan Backlash

President Donald Trump has initiated a major construction project to build a large ballroom at the White House, replacing parts of the 1940s-era East Wing. The project, funded by private donors to avoid taxpayer expense, has sparked significant backlash from Democrats and left-wing critics, who argue that Trump is damaging the historic White House and accuse him of abusing power amid ongoing national challenges like the government shutdown and rising costs of living. Prominent figures such as Hillary Clinton, Gavin Newsom, and Elizabeth Warren have publicly condemned the demolition, framing it as emblematic of broader issues with the Trump administration. Supporters counter that the ballroom will serve a public benefit, contrasting it with past presidential renovations like Obama’s basketball court, which were less accessible to the public. The debate also touches on historical precedents for White House renovations, with some noting that the building has evolved through various administrations and that prior presidents have made significant changes. The controversy reflects broader political polarization, with the Trump administration dismissing the criticism as manufactured outrage.