Trump rips opponents who ‘sue to stop $400 million beautiful ballroom’ as his White House renovation spirals out of control

President Trump indicated that the cost of his planned White House ballroom project could reach a staggering $400 million, potentially doubling the initial $200 million estimate, as per The Hill. This massive price jump is the newest development in a project that has already caused considerable controversy both politically and structurally.

The president spoke about the project at length during a Hanukkah reception at the White House. He used the event to complain that the current lack of space forces the administration to turn away potential guests. He is clearly passionate about the need for the new facility, emphasizing that the costs are being covered by private donations. The president stated that he and donors are giving a building to the country, “free of charge for nothing.”

“For 150 years they wanted a ballroom, and we’re giving them, myself and donors are giving them, free of charge for nothing, we’re donating a building that’s approximately $400 million,” the president said during the event. He immediately added that he thinks he can bring that number down. “I think I’ll do it for less. But it’s [$400 million]. I should do it for less. I will do it for less.”

Trump’s White House renovation is facing lots of criticism and legal challenges

He promised the new space would be “the most beautiful ballroom” and would be able to handle major events like inaugurations. He also highlighted some serious security features that sound absolutely top-tier, including 5-inch-thick glass windows that are “Impenetrable by anything but a howitzer.” Despite the president’s enthusiasm, opponents are trying to stop the construction. The president bemoaned the legal challenges, asking, “Who else but in our country would sue to stop $400 million beautiful ballroom?”

However, the administration scored a win as a federal judge ruled that construction on the ballroom could proceed, rejecting a request from a preservation group. That group had sought to temporarily halt the project because Congress had not officially approved the specific plans for the space.

The ballooning cost is arguably the biggest headache for the project. When the White House first announced the ballroom, the price tag was $200 million. As construction started, President Trump revised that figure, saying the total cost would be $300 million. Now, with the potential $400 million estimate, the cost has doubled since the initial announcement, which is drawing backlash from everyday Americans already dealing with skyrocketed cost of living.

While the president and his aides keep downplaying the amount by stressing that private donors will fund the entire project, critics are deeply concerned. They argue that allowing wealthy donors and companies to fund these huge renovations is essentially a way for them to buy access to the White House. That’s a serious political risk, and it’s fueling a lot of the opposition you’re seeing.

The cost isn’t the only controversy, either. The project has also caused physical issues for the existing building. President Trump initially assured the public that the current White House building would not be impacted by the ballroom construction. But that promise was broken when construction crews abruptly began bulldozing parts of the East Wing in October.

If you’re a fan of historic architecture, seeing parts of the original structure bulldozed is awful news. It definitely goes against the administration’s initial assurances.