[WaPo] Trump plans $200M overhaul of East Wing in significant change to White House

As someone who works in building design and construction, the probability is 100%.

That said, Trump is notorious for not paying his architects and contractors, so maybe it will be “free”

 

While it may not go to the Architects and contractors. . . .. that half a billion will definitely go somewhere / someone

Rocket River

 

Where have you gone Pierre L'Enfant? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/28/trump-arts-commission-firings-ballroom-arch/

But hey, at least we get some disproportionate ostentatious edifices built with bribe money and subject to no oversight out of the deal. Anything to keep him busy while the staff goes about dismantling the plane in mid-flight.

 

You'd rather have foreign dignitaries be entertained in temporary tents and use porta-potties? This beautiful ballroom will create decades of first class entertainment for Americans and their guests. And NO TAXPAYER MONEY is being spent on it. Designing beautiful spaces and clubs is Trump's strength -- let him cook.

Even the Washington Post (who hates Trump) came out in favor of this ballroom. This position puts you to the left of them. (wow)


GOOD DAY

 

Gavin Newsom rips Trump for his over-the-top renovations to the White House---calling it a vulgar display---in the midst of a Gov't shutdown.

Newsom said he hoped the next Democratic president would reverse Trump’s renovations to the White House. He said the White House renovations, including the 90,000 square foot ballroom and gold embellishments to the Oval Office, were a “vulgar display.”

“He’s insecure,” Newsom said, speaking of Trump. “He’s trying to be someone that you never understood him to be
before he got in elected office. He’s somebody now.”

He said the White House renovations symbolize how “weak” Trump is.
“There are no doubt about that and the symbolism of what he’s doing to me is subsequently a reflection of how weak he is, because he’s overcompensating for something. His weakness masquerading as strength.
That’s the one thing that’s consistent with Trump,” Newsom continued.

“No one else puts their picture up on Mount Rushmore unless they feel they’re not worthy. He’s constantly
proving himself, and he’s doing it to the American people as the most powerful man in this world, and
it’sprofoundly consequential to the future of our democracy,” he added.​

 

The Washington Post, that newspaper owned by one of the guys that contributed funds to tear down the East Wing? You know, the same guy that gutted the editorial staff, directed political stories to have a particular slant, and is dependent on favorable federal actions to continue making billions. That Washington Post? I don't think it is what it once was.

And I don't have any problem with tents and port-a-potties. (I may be biased though, since I spent most of my adult summers in tents and using port-a-potties in service to communities across this country.) It reminds everyone that the White House is not a palace and the president is not a king. Besides, there are many places to have large indoor gatherings in DC if that is what is important to you. Complaints by soft men about the size of one party during the Obama administration is no basis for the destruction of the East Wing and the construction of a vanity project in its place.

 

We are not talking about you using a tent or porta-potty. We are talking about important people! Dignitaries and state guests.


GOOD DAY

 

Utterly corrupt to the core. This is why all government buildings should only be funded by taxpayer money. Nobody donates for free. Pay for play

 

​

 

All of this is true, and none of it means they still don't have dedicated journalists who report real news.

 

fwiw

when Arnold was the Calif Governator, he erected a "smoking" tent in the courtyard to the Gov mansion.

a “cabana-style” structure as 12 by 16 feet, made of Sunbrella mesh, with a faux grass floor,
rattan swivel chairs and “a large glass table on which sits a crystal ashtray emblazoned
with the Cuban cigar label Montecristo.”
​

His successor, Jerry Brown, used the courtyard as an outdoor space for the “first dogs,” Sutter, Colusa and Cali.

 

It was an editorial.

 

oops, I didn't see the post you were responding to

 

LOL. Once you've been around real VIPs you quickly realize they aren't any smarter or more deserving than anyone else. They may be richer or they may have more positional power, true. But that's all the more reason to remind them that this is a democracy and the White House is not a king's palace. Having to eat under a fancy tent or use a portable toilet (that I promise you is not like one you would find at the county fair) during a White House party is not going to change anyone's politics. It is inconsequential and certainly not a reason to destroy our landmarks. They will be happy they were on the invite list and steal every napkin available.

 

the redesign looks terrible. like a marble psych hospital.

 

Rocket River

 

Ugh. This is like some insecure trust fund baby putting a personalized plate on his new Jaguar that says "JAG LIFE" or something. As if the car itself is not symbolic enough. This is only the most recognizable and powerful office in the world.

 

Damn that's ugly. The old one could use some new fixtures, but overall I like it better.

 

You are Nostradamus for a day