President Donald Trump's vision for billionaire-backed ballroom bears fruit. What was once the East Wing, which housed the First Lady's office and other historic spaces, is now an empty plot of land.
Initially, White House staff were told not to share photos about demolition. But satellite images released Thursday will reveal the full extent of the destruction.
The photos stand in stark contrast to those of Trump. promise that's his new ballroom will not “interfere” with the integrity of the White House.
Despite Trump and his team delighted with this is the Americans not too happy with a vanity project, with a recent YouGov poll finding that 53% of Americans somewhat or strongly disapprove of the demolition.
Meanwhile, Trump's flashy new ballroom is staunchly defended by Trump's own supporters. propaganda princessWhite House press secretary Caroline Leavitt.
Thursday Leavitt snapped back at a reporter who asked whether Trump was allowed to tear down whatever he wanted, since the law requires permits for new construction on White House grounds.
“The White House explained that the reason you did not submit construction plans to [National Capital Planning Commission] Because this commission, like others, does not control demolition, only construction, and so far you have not built anything,” said CBS reporter Weijia Jiang.
“This is the legal opinion that the NCPC has held for many years,” Leavitt said, adding that demolition of the East Wing does not require a submission because it is not a “vertical structure.”
“It sounds like the answer is, 'Yes, he can tear down whatever he wants,'” Jiang replied.
Trump has already left his gilded mark throughout the White House, completely Oval Office makeover And pave Rose Garden. And while presidents are free to renovate the White House, this is the largest demolition in recent history.
And people are mourning the loss of so much of the White House. IN and review For USA Today, Chelsea Clinton lamented the destruction of the East Wing.
“The White House belongs to the American people, and that’s why we call it the People’s House,” she wrote. “Disregard for history is a defining feature of President Trump’s second administration.”
“This is what happens when we destroy our heritage,” Clinton continued. “What was removed today is not just marble or plaster; it is a reflection of how easily history can be erased when power forgets its purpose.”
