Trump Begins $250M Privately Funded White House Ballroom Amidst Clinton Criticism

President Donald Trump has begun construction on a privately funded $250 million ballroom addition to the White House's East Wing, intended to host large-scale events with seating for 650 to 900 guests. Trump boasts of the project as a legacy initiative and insists it will not cost taxpayers any money, despite ongoing demolition of the original East Wing structure, which has drawn significant criticism. Critics, including Hillary Clinton, argue that the renovation is an unnecessary and destructive change to a historic building, with Clinton stating on social media that Trump is "destroying" what belongs to the American people. In response, White House officials emphasize the project’s benefits for future presidents and visitors and stress that the upgrades respect the existing building. The renovation has sparked political backlash, with conservatives recalling past controversies involving the Clintons to counter Clinton's criticisms. Trump's dismissive attitude toward the backlash highlights his confidence in the project despite divided public opinion.