Democrats have launched a fierce political attack on US President Donald Trump’s plan to build a grand $300 million ballroom at the White House, vowing to tear it down the moment he leaves office. The controversy stems from Trump’s decision to demolish a major portion of the century-old East Wing to make space for the new structure.
Democrats call the project a vanity symbol
The Mirror US reported demolition began last week, and Democratic leaders stepped up their criticism. Congressman Eric Swalwell said that no Democratic presidential hopeful should “even think of seeking the nomination” without pledging to destroy the ballroom “on day one.” Senator Ruben Gallego, speaking in a video outside the White House, accused Trump of acting out of “vanity and shame,” urging Americans to call their representatives and demand accountability for “what is happening inside the White House.”
Satellite images published by ABC News showed that at least six historic trees on the White House grounds were removed as part of the clearance work, including magnolias associated with former presidents Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also condemned the demolition, writing on X that the White House “is not his house” and accusing Trump of destroying public heritage for personal grandeur.
The Mirror US also noted that the White House defended the decision, stating that the ballroom project is being funded by private donors and is part of Trump’s “beautification” plan. “President Trump is working 24/7 to Make America Great Again, including his historic beautification of the White House, at no taxpayer expense,” spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Fox News.
The East Wing, completed in 1942 during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, has historically housed offices for the First Lady and social staff. With critics calling the new construction a “monument to corruption,” the ballroom has already become one of the most divisive renovation decisions ever taken at the presidential residence.
