The Trump Ballroom: White House undergoing makeover

The last large-scale renovation of the White House took place in the early 1950s. Historic preservation, therefore, is not an issue. The president noted that the East Wing ballroom had become too small for some of the White House functions. He also discovered that he had total authority to tear down the East Wing without the need for approval by any historic or environmental commission. The only limitation was that once he tore down the structure he would need approval of the rebuilding architecture. He has, therefore demolished the East Wing. With that fait acompli, it would be next to impossible for the powers that be to refuse the rebuild.

The cost of the renovation will be approximately three hundred million dollars. That money, however, will be provided by the Donald, as well as by Google and others. The government (i.e. taxpayers) won’t have to pay a cent. Democrat leaders, however, are very upset by the deal. They maintain that large companies generally have legislative requests before the government and that such a contribution by them would therefore be a conflict of interests.

It should be noted, however, that any such requests would be made to the legislative branch whereas the White House is part of the executive branch. Those receiving the gift, therefore, would not be giving to the branch with the authority to grant their wishes. Could it be that the Democrats (which polls indicate now have the lowest approval rating in history) are simply upset that the Donald is making his mark on the White House and gaining the approval of the nation?

This is not the first time that President Trump has negotiated building government infrastructure through accepting a gift. Remember that he also obtained a shiny new jet to be modified to replace Air Force One. The U.S. Air Force was the recipient. Democrats at that time accused him of receiving a personal gift from that Middle Eastern country. These Democrats seem intent on criticizing everything Trump does. Note that he just flew to the far east for important trade conferences and that a leading Democrat accused him of running away from the government shutdown.

If you’ve watched recent White House press briefings, you’ve seen standing room only conditions (with reporters leaning against walls) The overcrowding is obvious. The population of the United States has more than doubled since the 1950s, but the White House hasn’t grown by even an inch. It is certainly past time for the East Wing to grow. President Trump envisions a sizable expansion.

At the last big press briefing, one reporter asked the press secretary what the new ballroom would be called. She did not answer, except to say that a name would be selected at some future time.

It is obvious, however, that the individual paying part of the bills and signing up the rest of the contributors (as well as superintending the building process) should have his name above the main entrance. The name is simply not being mentioned at this time because of the explosion among Democrats it will produced if and when it is mentioned.

Future guests will most probably be able to sleep in the Lincoln Bedroom and then attend a conference in the Trump Ballroom. Reporters may even be able to attend expanded press conferences in that ballroom.

Meanwhile, Democrats have noticed Trump’s approval rating has gone up (not down) since the government shutdown. Their hope of causing crisis and confusion leading into the next election and regaining majorities in one or both houses of Congress seems to be slipping away. They will remain critical of everything Trump does (up to and including getting drug companies to radically reduce prices).

Meanwhile, Trump will continue to work 16 hours a day and build up both the East Wing and the country.