CaliToday (18/11/2025): "We are building one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the world—and not one cent of taxpayer money," the President declared on Fox News.
President Donald J. Trump delivered a sharp, direct rebuttal to former First Lady Michelle Obama on Monday, following her pointed criticism of the ongoing renovations to the White VvHouse East Wing.
Appearing on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle," the president defended the project as a necessary and "magnificent" upgrade for the nation, revealing it is being entirely privately funded at a cost of "$250 to $300 million" and will be built at "zero taxpayer cost."
The feud ignited after Mrs. Obama, in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, called the extensive construction an "insult to the heart of the White House's work" and suggested President Trump's project was an attempt to "diminish historic legacy."
"When we talk about the East Wing, that's the heart of the work," Mrs. Obama told the magazine. "And to diminish it, to tear it down, to pretend like it doesn't matter is a reflection of how you view the role."
When host Laura Ingraham asked for his response, President Trump did not hold back.
"First of all, the East Wing was just a small, old structure built many years ago," Trump began. "It had been remodeled, expanded, and torn down so many times, columns were ripped out. It had nothing to do with the original architecture of the White House. Frankly, it was a dumpy, sad area."
The president explained that while he considered keeping the old section and building around it, "it just wouldn't have been right."
Instead, he opted for a complete rebuild.
"We are building a large, magnificent ballroom," Trump stated emphatically. "And most importantly, without one cent of taxpayer money. The entire cost is coming from private donors. This will be a $250 to $300 million structure, and I believe it will be the most beautiful ballroom in the world."
The president then contrasted his new "world-class" venue with the logistics of state dinners under previous administrations, including the Obamas'.
"They once had a party there, and they could only fit 79 seats at tables," he said, highlighting the old wing's inadequacy for major state functions. "Now, suppose I'm hosting President Xi of China, or another world leader, we have no place to host them."
He then took a direct shot at the Obamas' past events.
"Mrs. Obama certainly won't mind," Trump said. "They used to put a tent on the lawn every time they needed to host a party. And when it rained, guests were sitting in six inches of water it was a disaster. Now, we will have a world-class, dry, luxurious, and permanent ballroom."
The president framed the new construction not just as an architectural improvement but as a symbol of a resurgent America.
"We will have the most beautiful ballroom, and I know, because I've built many of them," he added. "But this will be a masterpiece for the White House a place that shows America's strength and pride."
Political observers note the exchange perfectly captures the clash between the two administrations. While Democrats and critics decry the "changing of heritage," President Trump is recasting the White House as a symbol of modern luxury, financial independence, and his "America First" brand.