Summary
President Trump defended the $300 million project to build a new ballroom at the White House, which involves taking down the East Wing. The project has received criticism for both the cost increase and its impact on the historic site. Officials state that the demolition and rebuilding aim to modernize the area and accommodate the new structure.
Key Facts
- President Trump is overseeing a $300 million project to build a new ballroom at the White House.
- The project involves demolishing the East Wing, which initially had an estimated cost of $200 million.
- Critics, like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, argue the new ballroom will overshadow the existing White House.
- Trump defended the demolition by saying the existing East Wing wasn't much and needed updates.
- The East Wing originally housed the First Lady's offices and was expanded in 1942.
- A White House official said the project is modernizing structures from 1902 and 1942.
- Plans for the ballroom have been public since July, showing it would replace the current East Wing space.
