During the dinner, Trump unveiled the construction site to donors, opening the curtains of the East Room to show where the ballroom would rise.
Critics Attack
Despite Trump’s assurances, backlash has been swift. Images of the partial demolition sparked widespread outrage online, with some calling the project a “vanity monument.”
Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh denounced the renovation as “an utter desecration.” Writing on X, he said, “If I ran for President in 2028, I’d run on taking a bulldozer to Trump’s ballroom, an utter desecration of the people’s house.”
Democratic Representative Mark Takano of California proposed legislation to block federal funds for any White House renovations during a government shutdown, which is now in its 20th day.
Human rights lawyer Qasim Rashid added, “Wealth & income inequality is at record highs in America, but glad we’re spending $250m on a vanity project.”
Completion Timeline
For many, the project underscores growing tensions between political spectacle and public service. As The Guardian reported, viral images of the demolition have fueled criticism that the project symbolizes excess and ego rather than heritage and history.
