Trump Faces Lawsuit Over White House East Wing Demolition Amid Ballroom Plans

President Donald Trump has faced a lawsuit for demolishing the East Wing of the White House without proper approvals, as part of his plan to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. Plaintiffs argue Trump violated the National Capital Planning Act and National Historic Preservation Act by bypassing required federal oversight amid a government shutdown. Despite concerns over the opulence of the project during a shutdown that has left many federal employees unpaid and inflation high, Trump insists the ballroom is funded by private donors, including $22 million from Alphabet as part of a legal settlement. However, Trump recently suggested that a $230 million payout he is seeking from the Department of Justice for alleged rights violations could finance the ballroom, which would effectively involve taxpayer money. Critics highlight the project as a symbol of Trump prioritizing personal gain and luxury over public needs during a time of economic and governmental strain. The demolition has proceeded despite legal challenges and public backlash, raising questions about the erosion of checks and balances in government oversight.