Trump’s White House Ballroom Is the Perfect Symbol of His Presidency

“Given the president’s history as a builder, and given the plans that we’ve seen publicly, I think this will be a tremendous addition to the White House complex, a sorely needed addition,” Scharf reportedly said at the meeting, with the usual mix of obsequiousness and prickliness that Trump appointees use when talking to the public. “I think any assertion that this commission should have been consulted earlier than it has been, or it will be, is simply false.”

Historical preservationists and architects are also aghast at Trump’s moves. The Society of Architectural Historians released a statement last week where it “expressed great concern” over the ballroom plans and urged the Trump administration to “follow a rigorous and deliberate design and review process.” The American Institute of Architects, which has previously advised White House construction efforts, urged the president in August to connect “each major decision to preservation, performance, safety, and access—safeguarding historic character while improving resilience and usability.” None of that appears to have happened.

A casual observer of the news might ask, “Hey, how is this happening while the government is shut down?” Trump circumvented Congress on funding by soliciting $200 billion in private donations instead. This was not a circumstance where millions of hardworking Americans spared a few bucks for a collection drive, either. Trump took in donations from his wealthy friends and allies, as well as major corporations with business before the administration.