WH announces construction of 90,000 sq foot ballroom to WH

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So sad what’s become of the White House and our own failing Washington Post — this from The Editorial Board. (Nobody I know has a sub any longer which is why it moved to Apple News to better spread its propaganda). Read and weep for the paper that was storied journalism:

In defense of the White House ballroom -
Donald Trump vs. the NIMBYs

“The teardown of the White House’s East Wing this week is a Rorschach test. Many see the rubble as a metaphor for President Donald Trump’s reckless disregard of norms and the rule of law, a reflection of his willingness to bulldoze history and a temple to a second Gilded Age, paid for by corporate donors. Others see what they love about Trump: A lifelong builder boldly pursuing a grand vision, a change agent unafraid to decisively take on the status quo and a developer slashing through red tape that would stymie any normal politician.

In classic Trump fashion, the president is pursuing a reasonable idea in the most jarring manner possible. Privately, many alumni of the Biden and Obama White Houses acknowledge the long-overdue need for an event space like what Trump is creating. It is absurd that tents need to be erected on the South Lawn for state dinners, and VIPs are forced to use porta-potties.”

…

“Preservationists express horror that Trump did not submit his plans to their scrutiny, but the truth is that this project would not have gotten done, certainly not during his term, if the president had gone through the traditional review process. The blueprints would have faced death by a thousand papercuts.”

…

“Many homeowners have become red-pilled by their struggles to navigate the slow-as-molasses maze of government bureaucracy…”

…

“Though the fundraising for the ballroom creates problematic conflicts of interest, two examples validate Trump’s aggressive approach. After a fence jumper got inside the White House in 2014, it was obvious that better perimeter fencing needed to be installed. But doing so involved five public meetings of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) over two years, as members took pains to ensure the fencing complied with environmental rules. Construction didn’t begin until July 2019.”

https://apple.news/ADnRY2hihTHOtsIXeq9_AqQ

They go on to say that D-Day was planned in six months. Yup! Yes, government is slow for a reason, so people can’t bulldoze the White House! Now we have an ugly @ss concrete perimeter around it that makes us look like a developing nation.

The Washington Post knows exactly which countries do things fast: authoritarian countries like China who bribe their way into it and don’t care about safety regulations in the building of it or aftermath.

Sad.

You forgot to add the last paragraph of the editorial:

"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification. In that way, Trump’s undertaking is a shot across the bow at NIMBYs everywhere."

My household has been subscribing to the post for 25+ years. This editorial really shook me. I cannot see it as anything other than throwing a bone to the Trump administration to earn some brownie points down the road. The fact that the WP's owner, Jeff Bezos, contributed an undisclosed amount through Amazon to the ballroom project should be considered when evaluating this editorial. I have never been so disgusted with the Post and feel truly sorry for the journalists who are still there.

"Strong leaders reject calcification"?!! He's insane and is an actual fossil from the 1980s. The 90,000 sq ft ballroom, which will dwarf the actual WH, is not forward-looking--it is a monument to Trump's ego.

[Anonymous]

All I can think of is the number of bugs that will be in the new structure after it's built. I'm talking about spy bugs not creepy crawly bugs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question. In pics, there was a great deal of architectural detail in these rooms. Wood paneling etc.

Was any of it saved?

Uh, there were American antique furnishings and paintings in there!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sad what’s become of the White House and our own failing Washington Post — this from The Editorial Board. (Nobody I know has a sub any longer which is why it moved to Apple News to better spread its propaganda). Read and weep for the paper that was storied journalism:

In defense of the White House ballroom -
Donald Trump vs. the NIMBYs

“The teardown of the White House’s East Wing this week is a Rorschach test. Many see the rubble as a metaphor for President Donald Trump’s reckless disregard of norms and the rule of law, a reflection of his willingness to bulldoze history and a temple to a second Gilded Age, paid for by corporate donors. Others see what they love about Trump: A lifelong builder boldly pursuing a grand vision, a change agent unafraid to decisively take on the status quo and a developer slashing through red tape that would stymie any normal politician.

In classic Trump fashion, the president is pursuing a reasonable idea in the most jarring manner possible. Privately, many alumni of the Biden and Obama White Houses acknowledge the long-overdue need for an event space like what Trump is creating. It is absurd that tents need to be erected on the South Lawn for state dinners, and VIPs are forced to use porta-potties.”

…

“Preservationists express horror that Trump did not submit his plans to their scrutiny, but the truth is that this project would not have gotten done, certainly not during his term, if the president had gone through the traditional review process. The blueprints would have faced death by a thousand papercuts.”

…

“Many homeowners have become red-pilled by their struggles to navigate the slow-as-molasses maze of government bureaucracy…”

…

“Though the fundraising for the ballroom creates problematic conflicts of interest, two examples validate Trump’s aggressive approach. After a fence jumper got inside the White House in 2014, it was obvious that better perimeter fencing needed to be installed. But doing so involved five public meetings of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) over two years, as members took pains to ensure the fencing complied with environmental rules. Construction didn’t begin until July 2019.”

https://apple.news/ADnRY2hihTHOtsIXeq9_AqQ

They go on to say that D-Day was planned in six months. Yup! Yes, government is slow for a reason, so people can’t bulldoze the White House! Now we have an ugly @ss concrete perimeter around it that makes us look like a developing nation.

The Washington Post knows exactly which countries do things fast: authoritarian countries like China who bribe their way into it and don’t care about safety regulations in the building of it or aftermath.

Sad.

You forgot to add the last paragraph of the editorial:

"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification. In that way, Trump’s undertaking is a shot across the bow at NIMBYs everywhere."

My household has been subscribing to the post for 25+ years. This editorial really shook me. I cannot see it as anything other than throwing a bone to the Trump administration to earn some brownie points down the road. The fact that the WP's owner, Jeff Bezos, contributed an undisclosed amount through Amazon to the ballroom project should be considered when evaluating this editorial. I have never been so disgusted with the Post and feel truly sorry for the journalists who are still there.

"Strong leaders reject calcification"?!! He's insane and is an actual fossil from the 1980s. The 90,000 sq ft ballroom, which will dwarf the actual WH, is not forward-looking--it is a monument to Trump's ego.

I’m pp and agree. I can’t cite the entire thing of Jeff will remove it.

Chilling that WAPO didn’t mention their conflict of interest. It’s blatant propaganda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sad what’s become of the White House and our own failing Washington Post — this from The Editorial Board. (Nobody I know has a sub any longer which is why it moved to Apple News to better spread its propaganda). Read and weep for the paper that was storied journalism:

In defense of the White House ballroom -
Donald Trump vs. the NIMBYs

“The teardown of the White House’s East Wing this week is a Rorschach test. Many see the rubble as a metaphor for President Donald Trump’s reckless disregard of norms and the rule of law, a reflection of his willingness to bulldoze history and a temple to a second Gilded Age, paid for by corporate donors. Others see what they love about Trump: A lifelong builder boldly pursuing a grand vision, a change agent unafraid to decisively take on the status quo and a developer slashing through red tape that would stymie any normal politician.

In classic Trump fashion, the president is pursuing a reasonable idea in the most jarring manner possible. Privately, many alumni of the Biden and Obama White Houses acknowledge the long-overdue need for an event space like what Trump is creating. It is absurd that tents need to be erected on the South Lawn for state dinners, and VIPs are forced to use porta-potties.”

…

“Preservationists express horror that Trump did not submit his plans to their scrutiny, but the truth is that this project would not have gotten done, certainly not during his term, if the president had gone through the traditional review process. The blueprints would have faced death by a thousand papercuts.”

…

“Many homeowners have become red-pilled by their struggles to navigate the slow-as-molasses maze of government bureaucracy…”

…

“Though the fundraising for the ballroom creates problematic conflicts of interest, two examples validate Trump’s aggressive approach. After a fence jumper got inside the White House in 2014, it was obvious that better perimeter fencing needed to be installed. But doing so involved five public meetings of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) over two years, as members took pains to ensure the fencing complied with environmental rules. Construction didn’t begin until July 2019.”

https://apple.news/ADnRY2hihTHOtsIXeq9_AqQ

They go on to say that D-Day was planned in six months. Yup! Yes, government is slow for a reason, so people can’t bulldoze the White House! Now we have an ugly @ss concrete perimeter around it that makes us look like a developing nation.

The Washington Post knows exactly which countries do things fast: authoritarian countries like China who bribe their way into it and don’t care about safety regulations in the building of it or aftermath.

Sad.

You forgot to add the last paragraph of the editorial:

"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification. In that way, Trump’s undertaking is a shot across the bow at NIMBYs everywhere."

My household has been subscribing to the post for 25+ years. This editorial really shook me. I cannot see it as anything other than throwing a bone to the Trump administration to earn some brownie points down the road. The fact that the WP's owner, Jeff Bezos, contributed an undisclosed amount through Amazon to the ballroom project should be considered when evaluating this editorial. I have never been so disgusted with the Post and feel truly sorry for the journalists who are still there.

"Strong leaders reject calcification"?!! He's insane and is an actual fossil from the 1980s. The 90,000 sq ft ballroom, which will dwarf the actual WH, is not forward-looking--it is a monument to Trump's ego.

I’m pp and agree. I can’t cite the entire thing of Jeff will remove it.

Chilling that WAPO didn’t mention their conflict of interest. It’s blatant propaganda.

I already cancelled my subscription and this editorial confirms I made the correct decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sad what’s become of the White House and our own failing Washington Post — this from The Editorial Board. (Nobody I know has a sub any longer which is why it moved to Apple News to better spread its propaganda). Read and weep for the paper that was storied journalism:

In defense of the White House ballroom -
Donald Trump vs. the NIMBYs

“The teardown of the White House’s East Wing this week is a Rorschach test. Many see the rubble as a metaphor for President Donald Trump’s reckless disregard of norms and the rule of law, a reflection of his willingness to bulldoze history and a temple to a second Gilded Age, paid for by corporate donors. Others see what they love about Trump: A lifelong builder boldly pursuing a grand vision, a change agent unafraid to decisively take on the status quo and a developer slashing through red tape that would stymie any normal politician.

In classic Trump fashion, the president is pursuing a reasonable idea in the most jarring manner possible. Privately, many alumni of the Biden and Obama White Houses acknowledge the long-overdue need for an event space like what Trump is creating. It is absurd that tents need to be erected on the South Lawn for state dinners, and VIPs are forced to use porta-potties.”

…

“Preservationists express horror that Trump did not submit his plans to their scrutiny, but the truth is that this project would not have gotten done, certainly not during his term, if the president had gone through the traditional review process. The blueprints would have faced death by a thousand papercuts.”

…

“Many homeowners have become red-pilled by their struggles to navigate the slow-as-molasses maze of government bureaucracy…”

…

“Though the fundraising for the ballroom creates problematic conflicts of interest, two examples validate Trump’s aggressive approach. After a fence jumper got inside the White House in 2014, it was obvious that better perimeter fencing needed to be installed. But doing so involved five public meetings of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) over two years, as members took pains to ensure the fencing complied with environmental rules. Construction didn’t begin until July 2019.”

https://apple.news/ADnRY2hihTHOtsIXeq9_AqQ

They go on to say that D-Day was planned in six months. Yup! Yes, government is slow for a reason, so people can’t bulldoze the White House! Now we have an ugly @ss concrete perimeter around it that makes us look like a developing nation.

The Washington Post knows exactly which countries do things fast: authoritarian countries like China who bribe their way into it and don’t care about safety regulations in the building of it or aftermath.

Sad.

You forgot to add the last paragraph of the editorial:

"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification. In that way, Trump’s undertaking is a shot across the bow at NIMBYs everywhere."

My household has been subscribing to the post for 25+ years. This editorial really shook me. I cannot see it as anything other than throwing a bone to the Trump administration to earn some brownie points down the road. The fact that the WP's owner, Jeff Bezos, contributed an undisclosed amount through Amazon to the ballroom project should be considered when evaluating this editorial. I have never been so disgusted with the Post and feel truly sorry for the journalists who are still there.

"Strong leaders reject calcification"?!! He's insane and is an actual fossil from the 1980s. The 90,000 sq ft ballroom, which will dwarf the actual WH, is not forward-looking--it is a monument to Trump's ego.

I’m pp and agree. I can’t cite the entire thing of Jeff will remove it.

Chilling that WAPO didn’t mention their conflict of interest. It’s blatant propaganda.

I already cancelled my subscription and this editorial confirms I made the correct decision.

I’d like to cancel it as well—and my Amazon membership too— but I want to wait to do it when it’s most effective, like the mass cancellations of Hulu and Disney over the Jimmy Kimmel dismissal. I think it’s going to take multiple mass actions such as this to get the attention of the businesses that are supporting Trump.

[Anonymous]

That editorial board is ridiculous.

The Washington Post is done.

[Anonymous]

You all know he is not planning on a ballroom, right? Think it through.

Other former presidents agree that they need a larger venue in DC to host dignitaries. He could have gotten their support and even collaborated with them, which would have led to bipartisan support. It could have been an opportunity to showcase his background as a developer in an appropriate and productive way. It could have been a huge bipartisan win for him. But no. Instead, he bulldozed an entire wing without giving us any warning and without going through the proper channels, after saying he wouldn’t. Even rushing it through like this, it will not be completed by the end of his term. All because he is desperate for future presidents to have the ability to accommodate 1,000 guests at a time? Is it even feasible in that area to accommodate that many dignitaries as far as air space, traffic, and lodging? This doesn’t add up. He put it all on the line for a project he could have gotten support on. Maybe it could have been a beautiful venue just outside of DC? I believe that’s what other potuses had in mind. The WH is a house and a workplace. Not an entertainment venue.

He is not building a ballroom. He is building a palace with an upgraded bunker underneath. He will deem the entire WH unlivable by the “world’s best architects” and say that plans changed - it will be torn down and the ballroom will instead be the new residence. He will not leave office. He will simply declare that one of his kids will take his place when he dies. Nobody will stop this.

If you think this is not his plan, then you have not been paying attention. You have not been tracking his words or actions. You have not been tracking his kids’ words and actions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sad what’s become of the White House and our own failing Washington Post — this from The Editorial Board. (Nobody I know has a sub any longer which is why it moved to Apple News to better spread its propaganda). Read and weep for the paper that was storied journalism:

In defense of the White House ballroom -
Donald Trump vs. the NIMBYs

“The teardown of the White House’s East Wing this week is a Rorschach test. Many see the rubble as a metaphor for President Donald Trump’s reckless disregard of norms and the rule of law, a reflection of his willingness to bulldoze history and a temple to a second Gilded Age, paid for by corporate donors. Others see what they love about Trump: A lifelong builder boldly pursuing a grand vision, a change agent unafraid to decisively take on the status quo and a developer slashing through red tape that would stymie any normal politician.

In classic Trump fashion, the president is pursuing a reasonable idea in the most jarring manner possible. Privately, many alumni of the Biden and Obama White Houses acknowledge the long-overdue need for an event space like what Trump is creating. It is absurd that tents need to be erected on the South Lawn for state dinners, and VIPs are forced to use porta-potties.”

…

“Preservationists express horror that Trump did not submit his plans to their scrutiny, but the truth is that this project would not have gotten done, certainly not during his term, if the president had gone through the traditional review process. The blueprints would have faced death by a thousand papercuts.”

…

“Many homeowners have become red-pilled by their struggles to navigate the slow-as-molasses maze of government bureaucracy…”

…

“Though the fundraising for the ballroom creates problematic conflicts of interest, two examples validate Trump’s aggressive approach. After a fence jumper got inside the White House in 2014, it was obvious that better perimeter fencing needed to be installed. But doing so involved five public meetings of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) over two years, as members took pains to ensure the fencing complied with environmental rules. Construction didn’t begin until July 2019.”

https://apple.news/ADnRY2hihTHOtsIXeq9_AqQ

They go on to say that D-Day was planned in six months. Yup! Yes, government is slow for a reason, so people can’t bulldoze the White House! Now we have an ugly @ss concrete perimeter around it that makes us look like a developing nation.

The Washington Post knows exactly which countries do things fast: authoritarian countries like China who bribe their way into it and don’t care about safety regulations in the building of it or aftermath.

Sad.

You forgot to add the last paragraph of the editorial:

"The White House cannot simply be a museum to the past. Like America, it must evolve with the times to maintain its greatness. Strong leaders reject calcification. In that way, Trump’s undertaking is a shot across the bow at NIMBYs everywhere."

My household has been subscribing to the post for 25+ years. This editorial really shook me. I cannot see it as anything other than throwing a bone to the Trump administration to earn some brownie points down the road. The fact that the WP's owner, Jeff Bezos, contributed an undisclosed amount through Amazon to the ballroom project should be considered when evaluating this editorial. I have never been so disgusted with the Post and feel truly sorry for the journalists who are still there.

"Strong leaders reject calcification"?!! He's insane and is an actual fossil from the 1980s. The 90,000 sq ft ballroom, which will dwarf the actual WH, is not forward-looking--it is a monument to Trump's ego.

I’m pp and agree. I can’t cite the entire thing of Jeff will remove it.

Chilling that WAPO didn’t mention their conflict of interest. It’s blatant propaganda.

I already cancelled my subscription and this editorial confirms I made the correct decision.

I’d like to cancel it as well—and my Amazon membership too— but I want to wait to do it when it’s most effective, like the mass cancellations of Hulu and Disney over the Jimmy Kimmel dismissal. I think it’s going to take multiple mass actions such as this to get the attention of the businesses that are supporting Trump.

There was already a mass cancellation of WaPo. It was recently reported that the paper’s subscriptions fell to under 100K, which is apparently the size of a small regional paper. A few weeks ago it joined Apple News likely hoping to bring in more cash for a failing paper. We were at a dinner party a few months ago and everyone had cancelled it—all us having had a sub for DECADES.

[Anonymous]

I’m pp. Found the source…

“I could hardly believe it when I saw The Washington Post’s new average daily paid circulation figure that made the rounds in recent days — a number so low that I first thought it must surely be missing a digit.

97,000.

That figure comes via the Alliance for Audited Media, and it reveals that The Washington Post’s average paid daily circulation has dropped below 100,000 for the first time in 55 years.

To put that in perspective: 97,000 is the sort of figure you’d expect to see from a mid-size regional paper like The Minnesota Star Tribune or The Seattle Times. Not from a globally recognized newsroom with multiple Pulitzers to its name.“

https://www.forbes.com/sites/andymeek/2025/06/21/the-washington-post-is-running-out-of-readers-willing-to-pay/

[Anonymous]

Wear a tan suit and get outrage for years for disrespecting the white house.

Tear down part of the white house and it is totally ignored.

If there were not double standards, there would not be standards at all.

[Anonymous]

Respectfully I don’t think many people cared about Obama’s suit. Maybe like twenty people in the country?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Respectfully I don’t think many people cared about Obama’s suit. Maybe like twenty people in the country?

Well, it dominated a news outrage cycle. At a minimum, that means there wasn't much else to complain about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's so funny - and typical - that none of you acknowledge this is being built using private funds. It will also benefit all the presidents to come. Not taxpayer funded at all. Idiots.

"Leavitt characterized the new construction — which she said will be funded by Trump and other private donors"

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/construction-on-trump-s-200-million-white-house-ballroom-to-begin-in-september/ar-AA1JFKsY?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Oh we acknowledge the private donations and all the conflicts of interest that go along with it. Who is going to be paying for all the maintenance and upkeep of this massive building? Just like all his properties, it will be shoddy construction and gaudy as h*ll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Imagine this beautiful ballroom presided over by the most elegant First Lady in history!!! I get tingly just thinking about it.

Are you getting tingly about Melania? She doesn't even live there, much less preside over anything.

Do you want to drag her back?