Donald Trump has caused outrage by demolishing part of the White House East Wing to build a $250 million ballroom, drawing comparisons to a disaster movie and accusations of acting like a monarch. Critics say the project, which will accommodate up to 999 guests, is a garish symbol of his second term.
Former White House official Elaine Kamarck called the demolition “an abomination” and “typical Trump”. Presidential historian Jonathan Alter said the wrecking ball image perfectly encapsulates the administration’s attitude, adding: “They’ve taken a wrecking ball to the rule of law.”
The East Wing housed the first lady’s offices, a theatre and a visitors’ entrance. Trump had previously promised nothing would be demolished, saying the new ballroom would “pay total respect to the existing building”. The project has grown from 650 to 999 seats and will feature bulletproof windows.
Trump moved ahead without sign-off from the National Capital Planning Commission. The White House says the project is privately funded but has not released a full donor list. Renderings show a resemblance to the gilded ballroom at Mar-a-Lago.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has asked for a pause, warning the 90,000 sq ft ballroom will “overwhelm” the 55,000 sq ft executive residence. Alter compared it to “putting a glass tower 15 storeys high above 10 Downing Street”.
