The White House reacted late Monday to deafening criticism of its shock move to pull down part of the White House's historic East Wing to make way for a massive ballroom.
President Trump defended the massive project, declaring, "They've wanted a ballroom for 150 years. And I'm giving that honor to this wonderful place. You're gonna see a ballroom the likes of which... I don't think it'll be topped."
Demolition crews moved in on Monday, ripping off the face of the White House wing to begin building the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, designed to accommodate 999 people and be covered in bulletproof glass. California Governor Gavin Newsom dramatically stating Trump is "Ripping apart the White House just like he's ripping apart the Constitution."
But White House officials aggressively defended the renovation. Communications Director Steven Cheung argued, "Construction has always been a part of the evolution of the White House. Losers who are quick to criticize need to stop their pearl clutching and understand the building needs to be modernized."
He also hit out at a Democratic critic, calling him "moronic" and a "buffoon."
Trump emphasized that the project is being privately funded by rich donors — including himself. He recently held an exclusive dinner to thank donors who contributed millions. "A couple of you sitting here [were] saying, 'Uh, sir, would $25 million be appropriate?'," Trump noted. "I said, 'I'll take it.'"
The White House's official response repeatedly stressed that taxpayers would not bear the cost, with its official X account claiming the ballroom "will be cherished for generations."
Critics, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tina Smith, lambasted the project. CNN commentator Karen Finney called the timing "fairly grotesque," especially during a government shutdown and high inflation.
In contrast, CNN's conservative commentator Scott Jennings praised the renovation, saying, "Donald Trump is all about hospitality... This is going to give us a place in the White House to do the biggest and best hospitality we've ever done."
Construction has always been a part of the evolution of the White House.
Losers who are quick to criticize need to stop their pearl clutching and understand the building needs to be modernized. Otherwise you’re just living in the past. pic.twitter.com/OpINUW2ofA
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) October 20, 2025