White House officials say no more construction planned amid $400 million ballroom project

KANIKA SINGH RATHORE,

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President Donald Trump’s $400 million White House Ballroom to continue expansionBut officials say no other construction projects are expected to begin on the People’s House — despite the legal challenges.

Last week, a federal judge denied the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s request to stop construction of Trump’s 90,000-square-foot, ornate, entertainment space, which The east wing needs to be removed.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit that works to preserve historic buildings, objects, and places, argued that the White House bypassed the typical review process for federal building projects before breaking ground.

The judge allowed the project to proceed, but asked the administration to submit its ballroom proposal to the National Capital Planning Commission within a month.

Carroll Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, told cbs news He has “deep concerns” about future projects not following the protocols. “There are no plans to demolish any structures at this time,” a White House official told the news outlet.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has launched various projects to revamp the decor in his signature style

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has launched various projects to revamp the decor in his signature style ,AFP via Getty Images,

Independent Has sought comment from the White House.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump A lot of changes were made in the decoration – adding gilding Decorating the Oval Officeto erect 80 foot flag pole on the lawnPaving the Rose Garden To create a country-club style patio and establishing a “Wall of Fame”. Arbitrary descriptions of past presidents.

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But the decision to tear down the historic East Wing and add a grand ballroom generated the most controversy.

Despite Trump’s earlier claim, officials gave no warning of the sudden demolition of the East Wing The new ballroom won’t do that Disrupt existing structures.

The President also originally claimed that the ballroom would cost only $200 million; However, it is now expected to cost $400 million.

The White House says the president has the same permission to make changes to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as previous presidents have. Trump has supported the ballroom, claiming that it would serve as a venue to host state dinners and other formal, large events.

Democratic lawmakers expressed outrage in October when it was revealed that the White House would tear down the East Wing

Democratic lawmakers expressed outrage in October when it was revealed that the White House would tear down the East Wing ,getty images,

Some MLAs are not convinced. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has sent letters to potential ballroom donors, who were reportedly invited to a dinner for the project, requesting information.

Public Citizen, a progressive nonprofit, filed suit this week against the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior for failing to respond to a FOIA request for information about the ballroom’s construction.

The National Capital Planning Commission will hold a hearing on a proposal on the ballroom in early January.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the capital, Trump still wants to build a triumphal arch, Earlier this month he said the project is now a “primary” focus of his administration,

Uk