Trump’s White House Ballroom Is the Perfect Symbol of His Presidency

“Given the president’s history as a builder and the projects we’ve seen publicly, I think this will be a tremendous addition to the White House complex, an absolutely necessary addition,” Scharf reportedly said at the meeting, with the usual mix of obsequiousness and irritation that Trump appointees use when speaking to the public. “I think any assertion that this commission should have been consulted earlier than it was, or will be, is simply false.”

Historicists and architects are also dismayed by Trump’s actions. The Society of Architectural Historians released a statement last week “expressing great concern” about the ballroom plans and urging the Trump administration to “follow a rigorous and deliberate design and review process.” The American Institute of Architects, which previously advised the White House construction efforts, urged the president in August to tie “every major decision to preservation, performance, security and access – preserving historic character while enhancing resiliency and usability.” None of this appears to have happened.

A casual observer of the news might ask, “Hey, how is this happening when the government is shut down?” » Trump circumvented funding from Congress by soliciting $200 billion in private donations. Nor was it a situation in which millions of hard-working Americans saved a few dollars for a fundraising campaign. Trump received donations from his wealthy friends and allies, as well as major corporations with business before his administration.