There’s new outrage over US President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project after an image went viral on Wednesday showing just how big the building is when compared to the main residence.
The image, which appears to be a screenshot from an aerial video, was initially shared by British market researcher Ben Page.
Later in the day, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) also shared the image.
“I hope everyone takes a good hard look at this picture,” Clyburn wrote. “Trump’s under-construction ballroom is now bigger than the rest of the White House. Much bigger. The contrast says everything you need to know about this President and his priorities.”
Trump has indeed prioritized design and decor by adding golden embellishments, signs and more around the White House and focused on projects around Washington, including the botched Reflecting Pool renovation.
Kevin Carter/Getty Images
Trump has been practically obsessive about the ballroom.
Last year, he knocked down the East Wing to make way for the project, which he initially claimed would cost $200 million and be paid for entirely by private donors. But later reports indicated that the price had ballooned to $600 million, with taxpayers on the hook for half of it.
Trump often mentions the ballroom unprompted, working it into conversations, speeches, rallies, interviews and more, and frequently posts about it on social media.
During a meeting with oil executives in January, Trump suddenly stood up so he could gaze out the window at the construction site.
“Wow, what a view,” he gushed.
Critics didn’t like it last year. And, with the new images making the rounds, they like it even less now, as they lashed out at the president over the project on X:
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