Trump's $300M White House Ballroom Sparks National Debate

President Donald Trump has initiated a $300 million project to demolish the historic East Wing of the White House and replace it with a vast new ballroom, nearly double the size of the current White House itself. Trump insists the project is privately funded by himself and donations from billionaires and major corporations, including tech giants like Google, Meta, and Apple, which has sparked ethical concerns and investigations from Senate Democrats questioning potential favors in exchange for funds. The East Wing, traditionally used for First Lady offices and public receptions, is being transformed into a lavish, gold-encrusted space that critics argue symbolizes a shift from the White House as "The People's House" to a private palace for the elite. The project has faced ridicule from late-night hosts and social media users, while the White House defends it as a bold and historic beautification effort, despite it proceeding without the typical review process. This transformation marks a significant departure from past presidential renovations, which were usually subject to oversight and public input. The controversy underscores tensions about public access, government transparency, and the influence of private money in public institutions.