House Democrats are voicing strong concerns regarding the construction of a new ballroom at the White House. They have taken action by sending a letter to President Trump, urging transparency about the project. This comes as demolition crews have begun working on the East Wing to make way for the privately funded addition.
Democrats Demand Trump Reveal Details on White House Ballroom
In their request, Democratic Representatives Robert Garcia, Yassamin Ansari, and Jared Huffman highlighted critical issues surrounding the ballroom’s development. They emphasized the need for clarity on funding, project integrity, and ethical issues linked to the administration.
- Project Size: The ballroom is expected to total over 90,000 square feet.
- Cost Estimates: Initial costs projected at $200 million have reportedly surged to $300 million.
- Concerns Raised: The Democrats criticized the lack of public disclosure and consultations regarding the addition.
Rep. Garcia stated that decisions regarding the ballroom were made without proper transparency. He expressed alarm over the ongoing demolition, referring to it as “incredibly disturbing.” The representatives have requested various documents from the White House, including:
- Communication related to the demolition.
- Architectural plans for the ballroom.
- A detailed budget outlining project costs.
- A list of all donors contributing to the project.
- Legal justifications for the construction.
Despite their inquiries, Democrats lack the authority to issue subpoenas, rendering their request non-binding. Garcia remarked, “This has all been done very secretly, and we have no information. Show us — open it up.”
Trump’s Response
In contrast, President Trump claims to have been transparent about the project. During a recent appearance in the Oval Office, he defended his approach and presented renderings of the ballroom. Trump reported that the entirety of the East Wing would be demolished, which differs from earlier project descriptions.
As the situation develops, concerns linger over the implications of this significant modification to the historic White House grounds. The calls for transparency from House Democrats may shape future discussions regarding the project’s legitimacy and progress.
