Donald Trump’s proposal for a new ‘state ballroom’ has not been well-received by many Americans.
The announcement on July 31 detailed the administration’s plans for a ‘much-needed’ ballroom, to be named The White House State Ballroom, with a construction cost potentially reaching $200 million.
According to the announcement, the ballroom will cover around 90,000 square feet and can accommodate 650 guests.
Reportedly, Trump and other supporters will finance the ballroom’s construction, while ‘The United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications’.
At a media conference, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed enthusiasm: “We are proud to announce that the construction of the new White House ballroom will begin.”
She continued: “The White House state ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition of approximately 90,000 total square feet of innately designed and carefully crafted space with a seated capacity of 650 people, which is a significant increase from the 200-person seated capacity in the East Room of the White House.”
Despite the administration’s excitement, many Americans are less thrilled about the ballroom project. As Trump and his allies gather $200 million, others in the country face financial struggles due to the impacts of Trump’s controversial ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’.
The new legislation includes welfare cutbacks, potentially leaving 12 million people without health insurance due to changes in Medicaid, as noted by the Congressional Budget Office.
Additionally, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, will also face reductions.
Given these circumstances, criticism has arisen regarding the timing and cost of the ballroom announcement.
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer commented: “Right after ripping away health care and food assistance from working families, Donald Trump is starting construction on a $200 million ballroom to host his billionaire donors and ultrarich friends.”
He added, “After orchestrating the largest wealth transfer in history from the working and middle classes to the ultrawealthy, and starting a trade war that has accelerated inflation and driven up prices, Trump’s priorities are loud and clear: billionaires first and working families last.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has also criticized the White House’s plans.
In a tweet, they likened Leavitt to Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games, saying: “While all the Districts pay extra for groceries and everyday goods, the White House is excited to announce that the Capitol is creating a grand ballroom for opulent parties! May the odds be ever in your favor!!!”
On Twitter, others shared similar sentiments: “Trump cut Medicaid. But good news! He’s also building an expensive new 90,000 square foot ballroom at the White House so he can host soirees with his rich friends!”
Another individual described the plans as a ‘disgrace’, stating: “The White House can spend millions on a ballroom all the while they try and take Social Security, billions of Medicare & Medicaid cuts, kicking millions off Medicaid, and cuts food assistance from the American people. Disgrace.”
UNILAD has reached out to the White House for comments following the public backlash.