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President Donald trump Admits he didn’t need to tear down the East Wing white House To build his massive $300 million ballroom.
“I could build a ballroom around it,” Trump said. fox news monday. “I didn’t want to sacrifice a great ballroom by leaving a good ballroom right in the middle.”
Trump also addressed reports that his renewal has not gone over well with one notable group: the first ladies. During a wide-ranging interview, the Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham President asked to respond to recent criticism of former first lady Michelle Obama,
Speaking at a book event in Brooklyn last week, Mrs. Obama said: “To denigrate it, to tear it downPretending like it doesn’t matter – it’s a reflection of how you think about that role.
Trump responded: “First of all, the East Wing was a beautiful little, tiny structure that was built many years ago, renovated and expanded. It had nothing to do with the original building. It was a poor, sad sight.”
The East Wing was added to the White House in 1942, and has served as office space for the First Lady and her staff. It also included a visitor entrance and the President’s Theatre.
In late October, the entire complex was demolished in a matter of days, prompting a sharp reaction from Democrats, who argued that the President did not pursue a proper approval process before making radical changes to the historic building.
When Trump first announced his ballroom plans in August, he pledged that “existing building“will not be touched. But, after further review, the White House concluded that demolishing the East Wing was more cost-effective and structurally sound than building an addition, according to the new York Times,
Ingraham also asked Trump about first lady Melania Trump’s reaction to the demolition. wall street journal Report that he has “raised concerns privately“About demolishing the East Wing.
Trump replied, “He loved his little, little office, but you know, he’s very smart.” “If you ask her now, she says it’s great.”
“But as you understand, the East Wing sounds nice, right?” Trump added. “But the East Wing, that building was renovated 20 times…it looked like hell.”
Trump’s new ballroom – funded by private contributions – was originally estimated to cost $200 million. The price has increased so far $300 million,
The structure is set to expand 90,000 square feet And according to the White House, it has seating for about 650 people. It is expected to be completed “well before” Trump’s term ends in early 2029.
Administration officials have argued that the new venue is urgently needed, given that large gatherings must currently be held in a tent on the lawn.
However, most Americans object to Trump’s approach. in October 1st YouGov survey54 percent of respondents said they strongly or somewhat disagree with Trump’s decision to demolish the East Wing to make room for his ballroom. Meanwhile, 28 percent said they strongly or somewhat support it.