Summary
President Donald Trump is replacing the White House's East Wing with a new ballroom. This project, estimated to cost $300 million and funded by donations, has sparked comparisons with renovations done during President Obama's time, which focused on needed infrastructure upgrades.
Key Facts
- President Trump has demolished the East Wing of the White House to build an 8,400-square-meter ballroom.
- The new ballroom project is expected to cost $300 million and is funded by donations from individuals and major companies like Amazon and Google.
- President Trump's project has not received approval from the federal agency responsible for overseeing federal building renovations.
- During President Obama's term, a $376 million renovation occurred, funded by taxpayers, to upgrade outdated infrastructure like water pipes and electrical systems.
- Obama's renovation focused mostly on necessary internal improvements and was approved by Congress.
- The Trump project aims to increase seating capacity in the East Wing from 200 to 999 people.
- Trump plans involve tearing down existing structures, which has raised concerns among preservationists.
- Some claim Obama used personal funds and donations, not taxpayer money, for additional changes like redecorating interiors.
