President Donald Trump has defended his plans for a $400m White House ballroom, calling critics 'architects that don't know what they're doing'. The project, which includes gold detailing and a massive underground complex, has been widely ridiculed.
The US National Capital Planning Commission received numerous negative public comments, with critics describing the ballroom as 'ugly' and 'hideous'. Three architects criticised the plans in a New York Times report, citing 'faux windows', lack of symmetry, and a ceiling so high it would give the White House a lopsided appearance.
Trump responded by presenting new renderings that removed the staircase and claimed 'we have no fake windows'. He said the military is building a 'massive complex' under the ballroom that will function like a shed. The project is set to move forward this week.
