President Trump's $250 Million White House Ballroom Project Advances, East Wing Demolition Draws Criticism
President Trump's $250 million privately funded White House ballroom project is underway, involving East Wing demolition and modernization, drawing significant preservation and political criticism.
Overview
President Donald Trump is constructing a $250 million ballroom at the White House, designed to accommodate 999 people and nearly double the main building's size.
The project necessitates the demolition and modernization of the White House East Wing, a significant change despite President Trump's prior assurances against altering the structure.
Funding for the $250 million ballroom is entirely private, sourced from President Trump, other donors, and a $22 million settlement contribution from YouTube, avoiding taxpayer costs.
Demolition commenced swiftly, sparking widespread controversy and outrage from critics, including Hillary Clinton, and preservation groups like the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The ballroom is slated for completion before President Trump's term concludes in January 2029, with the President affirming the project will not compromise the White House's integrity.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally. They report the facts surrounding the White House tour suspension due to ballroom construction, attributing all information to officials or specific organizations. The coverage includes details on the construction, staff relocation, and concerns from preservation groups, presenting a balanced overview without editorial bias or loaded language.
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Center (29)
FAQ
The new White House ballroom is designed to accommodate 999 people and will nearly double the size of the main White House building.
The demolition is controversial because the East Wing is a historic part of the White House, constructed in 1902 and renovated multiple times, and the demolition is proceeding without approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, drawing criticism from preservation groups and political figures.
The project is fully funded with private money from President Trump, other donors, and includes a $22 million settlement from YouTube, thus avoiding any use of taxpayer funds.
Clark Construction is heading the construction team, and AECOM is leading the engineering team for the White House ballroom project.
President Trump and White House officials have affirmed that the ballroom project will not compromise the integrity of the White House and will maintain architectural heritage similar to the existing structure, with efforts to preserve the site's special history.
History
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