Trump Oversees Partial White House East Wing Demolition for $250M Ballroom Amid Criticism

MSNBC Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski harshly criticized President Donald Trump for the partial demolition of the White House's historic East Wing to make way for a $250 million ballroom. Scarborough condemned the use of a wrecking ball on such a significant structure, calling it "grotesque" and expressing disbelief that a president could so drastically alter a landmark with such historical importance. Brzezinski described the demolition as "painful" and likened the White House to public property rather than private real estate. The hosts also raised concerns about the precedent this sets, questioning if future presidents could similarly alter or destroy the White House without Congressional oversight. The demolition contradicts Trump's previous assurances that the existing structure would not be significantly changed. The project follows other controversial renovations, including changes to the White House Rose Garden, fueling criticism from media figures who view these changes as damaging to American heritage.