Donald Trump’s long-held dream of building a big fancy ballroom at the White House is in full swing – the full swing of a wrecking ball. Despite initial statements saying the original structure wouldn’t be touched, the historic East Wing has been destroyed. And according to Trump’s biographer, he was keen to keep it on the down low.
Donald Trump allegedly wanted the East Wing construction to happen at night
Trump apparently wanted to hide the demolition work from the public, according to biographer Michael Wolff. Speaking on the Inside Trump’s Head podcast, he said the President was keen to get the work done without scrutiny. Perhaps not surprising given that he had previously promised the renovation wouldn’t affect the original building.
Michael said: “They had a meeting and they said, ‘Listen, it really would be much cheaper and faster just to tear down the East Wing.'”
He continued: “[Trump] said – this was given to me as a quote – he said, ‘F*ck. But can we do the demolition at night?'”
The President’s plans for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom have been the subject of much scrutiny in recent months. Even Melania Trump is said to have expressed concern over the demolition. The original budget for the work was set at $200 million, though it has now reportedly hit $300 million.
While the work is apparently being paid for by private sources, questions have been raised about who exactly is coughing up the cash, and what influence their contribution might “buy” them. There are also claims that Trump didn’t go through the proper channels to have the demolition approved.
Given how little such a grand ballroom is likely to be used, its construction has been branded nothing more than a “vanity project” by some.
TELL US – WILL THE NEW BALLROOM BE $300 MILLION WELL SPENT?
