President Donald Trump has swung the wrecking ball right through the East Wing of the White House to build a shiny new ballroom, as Daily Mail reports.
In a move that’s sparked both cheers and jeers, Trump ordered the demolition in October 2025 to create a space for hosting world leaders and dignitaries, though not without ruffling feathers across the political spectrum.
Let’s rewind to the start: the East Wing was torn down just this month to make room for a project estimated at $250 million, funded entirely by private and corporate donors.
Critics like Congressman Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, have taken to social media to blast the plan, suggesting any future candidate from his party should vow to demolish it on their first day in office.
Swalwell’s post on X drips with disdain, claiming a party member shouldn’t “even think of seeking” a nomination without promising to undo Trump’s vision. But really, is a ballroom so offensive when state dinners currently rely on tents and portable restrooms?
On the flip side, the Washington Post Editorial Board, sporting a fresh libertarian tilt since its 2025 revamp, threw its weight behind the project in a recent piece, taking a swipe at the naysayers.
The board’s editorial didn’t mince words, stating, “It is absurd that tents need to be erected on the South Lawn for state dinners, and VIPs are forced to use porta-potties.” Call it a rare moment of clarity from legacy media—perhaps even a nod to practicality over political posturing.
Adding to the chorus of support, Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell spoke out during a red-carpet interview with the Daily Mail on October 24, 2025, ahead of the Aida Opera opening.
Grenell highlighted the cramped conditions at the White House, noting the need for a lasting solution rather than temporary setups for high-profile events.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also chimed in during a briefing on October 23, 2025, from the Brady Briefing Room, defending the project with gusto on social media platforms.
Social media reactions to the Washington Post’s stance are a mixed bag, with some users applauding the push for better facilities while others question the outlet’s motives, pointing to owner Jeff Bezos and Amazon’s role as a major funder of the ballroom.
One unnamed user quipped about the absurdity of opposing improved facilities for global leaders, contrasting it with past White House upgrades under different administrations. It’s a fair jab—why clutch pearls over a ballroom when other renovations have cost taxpayers more?
Speaking of costs, a resurfaced 2010 CNN clip has folks buzzing, where hosts poked fun at a White House renovation under President Barack Obama that reportedly cost $376 million from public funds.
Compare that to Trump’s project, funded without a dime of taxpayer money, and the hypocrisy of some critics starts to smell stronger than a South Lawn tent in July. Still, the debate rages on, with emotions high on both sides.
