President Donald Trump is no stranger to construction projects. Before entering the political world, he spent decades building a real estate empire that spanned from New York to locations around the world. He has led the development of high-rises, golf courses, hotels, casinos, and more. He can now include a White House ballroom in that list. Of course, the newest addition does not come without controversy.
Earlier this year, the President was speaking at an executive order signing held in the White House to defend women in sports. As he looked over the crowd who was standing shoulder-to-shoulder, he mentioned his desire for a big ballroom. He said he sent a proposal to former President Joe Biden, but never heard back. In true Trump fashion, he is making this dream into a reality.
In July, the announcement was made that construction would soon be underway for a large event space replacing the East Wing of the White House. The $300 million ballroom would be paid for by the President’s personal funds and private donations so as not to be a burden on the taxpayers. The list of corporate and individual donors to the project has been made public by the White House. The initial plans show an elegant white and gold room with tall, arching windows overlooking the grounds. The new ballroom is estimated to be double the size of the main residence and hold around 1,000 people.
Construction has been underway for weeks now, but it seems as though some did not read the details of the announcement. Images of the East Wing demolition have been described as “jarring” to some. The Left sees it as art imitating life — the destruction of the East Wing furthers their delusion of the destruction of democracy. But as any good architect, artist, or innovator knows, demolition is often a part of creation. As Pablo Picasso puts it, “Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction.” Creating a place where people around the world can come to celebrate American exceptionalism and freedoms is worth the slight “destruction.”
The White House’s East Wing was first built in 1942, led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. At the time, World War II was underway, and the new addition gave cover to the newly installed underground bomb shelter. The rooms were rather small, with a maximum limit of 200 people. Some events were broken up into two separate rooms, making the experience harder to enjoy.
For the beautiful State dinners with foreign dignitaries, it was necessary to erect a temporary tent, complete with Porta-potties. However, to get to the tent, guests have to walk nearly a football field across the South Lawn to get to the entrance. President Trump has lamented about women’s heels sinking into the mud and hairdos being wrecked in the elements. While the tents can look very lovely, this make-shift approach takes away from the sophistication and honor that should be represented on the White House grounds. In addition, from a security standpoint, the new construction will allow for modern security measures to be installed, enhancements to the underground bunker, and provide a physical barrier between the ballroom and the personal residence, making the entire compound safer for all.
During Jimmy Carter’s presidency, First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s office was moved into that wing, which became tradition for her successors. Although First Lady Melania Trump has found a temporary space to work while construction commences, the White House plans to include offices for the First Lady in the new addition.
Much of the beauty of the East Wing stems from the historical items showcased within, including vintage furniture, letters written by former Presidents, tableware handpicked by First Ladies, and portraits of our nation’s leaders — past and present. The White House Historical Association has assured the public that these items are being carefully preserved until they can be returned to the enlarged space.
In response to the Leftists’ laments about the East Wing’s demolition, the White House published a timeline of major events throughout the years. Of course, they did not miss a chance to highlight some recent “historical events” worthy of disgust, such as Bill Clinton’s sex scandal in the Oval Office, Barack Obama’s welcoming of the Muslim Brotherhood, Trans Viability Day hosted on the White House grounds under the Biden administration, and cocaine found in the West Wing. The newest renovations are hardly the worst thing that has happened to the White House.
Eagle Forum leaders have been honored to accept invitations to the White House’s East Wing over the years for various events and tours. The memories of historical events, both publicly and personally, will be preserved in pictures and videos. It is time for a new change, though. A change where more Americans can celebrate our remarkable nation at the People’s House. Perhaps, we will see you there at a future Eagle Council in Washington, D.C.
