Ongoing construction on the East Wing of the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ballroom is being built, in Washington, D.C., October 20, 2025. REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak
Observers bashed the groundbreaking of President Donald Trump's signature White House renovation project on Monday, calling it "an abomination."
Trump announced on Monday that crews broke ground on the White House ballroom project that he announced over the summer. The roughly $200 million renovation is being funded by private interests, Trump included, the president said in a Truth Social post. The project also includes a renovation of part of the East Wing of the White House.
"I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!" Trump wrote.
Political observers and analysts shared their thoughts on social media.
"The metaphorical aspects of this are tragic. Our heritage demolished before our eyes," columnist Jill Lawrence posted on Bluesky.
"This is a desecration and an abomination," journalist Ron Filipkowski posted on Bluesky. "First he posts an AI video of himself wearing a crown dumping s--- on the heads of Americans, then he starts tearing down part of the White House for his Mar-a-Lago style ballroom."
"He’s spending millions for a ballroom while American soldiers go without pay…" Blue Missouri Executive Director Jess Piper posted on Bluesky.
"Note: It is not 'his' ballroom," law professor Jen Taub posted on Bluesky.