A new image of Donald Trump’s massive White House ballroom exploded across social media Wednesday — and Americans who saw it were absolutely horrified.
The new aerial image shows the enormous structure dwarfing the historic White House residence and dominating the grounds. For critics, it’s more than an oversized construction project. It’s a jaw-dropping symbol of Trump’s obsession with luxury, gold-plated extravagance and leaving his personal stamp on America’s most famous address.
British market researcher Ben Page initially shared the image online. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) later reposted it, taking aim at what he sees as the president’s misplaced priorities.
“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.”
And the project has certainly become one of Trump’s personal obsessions.
The president ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing last year to make room for the ballroom. He initially said the project would cost $200 million and be funded entirely by private donors. But subsequent reports put the price tag as high as $600 million, with taxpayers potentially responsible for half the bill.
Trump has repeatedly brought up the ballroom during speeches, interviews, meetings and social media posts. At a January meeting with oil executives, he even interrupted the proceedings to stand up and admire the construction site through a window.
“Wow, what a view,” he said.
As the latest image spread online, critics unleashed on the project, with some demanding that it be torn down and the White House grounds restored.
“Tear this s**t down,” wrote activist Shannon Watts.
Political scientist Norman Ornstein called on anyone running for president in 2028 to promise to remove the structure.
“I want every putative 2028 candidate to pledge that on January 20, 2029 he or she will sign an executive order to tear down this monstrosity,” he wrote.
Others blasted the building’s appearance, with one commenter comparing it to a Holiday Inn dropped onto the White House lawn.
Another wrote: “Hideous, just like Trump’s Presidency.”
The criticism went beyond the building itself, with some calling for the removal of other gold decorations and changes Trump has made around the White House.
One user even argued that companies that helped finance the project should be required to pay for its eventual removal.
The ballroom was supposed to be a signature addition to Trump’s White House legacy. Instead, the latest images have given critics another reason to accuse him of turning one of America’s most historic landmarks into a monument to his own tastes.
And judging by the reaction online, plenty of people want it gone.
