Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump lashed out at CNN host Kaitlan Collins for pointing out the rising cost of his new ballroom, which is already $100 million over budget.
- Trump justified the high cost by stating that the ballroom will be double the size and have high-quality finishes and interiors.
- The president claimed that the project is "under budget and ahead of schedule," despite the high cost and ongoing building.
- The ballroom is being funded by corporate donors, including Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, and Amazon.
- Trump suffered a setback with the loss of his initial architect, James McCrery II, who cautioned against the supersized plans.
Introduction to the Controversy
Donald Trump woke up early on a Saturday morning to lash out at CNN host Kaitlan Collins for pointing out the rising cost of his ever-growing new ballroom. In a misspelled rant on Truth Social, Trump called Collins "stupid and nasty" for her coverage of the ballroom. The ballroom was expected to cost $200 million when first announced, but it is already $100 million over budget. Trump offered several justifications for the wild expense of his vanity project, including that it will be double the size and have high-quality finishes and interiors.
Justification for the High Cost
Trump claimed that the ballroom will have a lovely view and will be "more beautiful than originally planned." He also stated that it will boast high-quality finishes and interiors, which will justify the high cost. Despite the high cost and ongoing building, Trump claimed that the project is "under budget and ahead of schedule, as my jobs always are." This statement has raised eyebrows, as the project is already $100 million over budget and official plans have not yet been submitted. Trump’s claim that the project is "under budget and ahead of schedule" seems to be at odds with the reality of the situation.
Funding for the Ballroom
The ballroom is being funded by a range of corporate donors, including Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Caterpillar, Amazon, and Comcast. JPMorgan Chase has opted to stay clear of the project, citing concerns about the high cost and potential controversy. The fact that the ballroom is being funded by corporate donors has raised questions about the potential influence of these donors on the project. It is unclear whether these donors will have any input on the design or construction of the ballroom, or whether they will simply be providing funding.
Setbacks and Controversies
Trump suffered a setback with the loss of his initial architect, James McCrery II, who cautioned against the supersized plans. McCrery was replaced by architect Shalom Baranes, who is willing to work with Trump’s gigantomania. A White House official told the Beast that McCrery had not been fired and would continue on the project as a "valuable consultant." This has raised questions about the potential impact of McCrery’s departure on the project. Will the new architect be able to deliver the ballroom on time and within budget, or will the project continue to be plagued by delays and cost overruns?
Completion Date and Building Codes
Trump plans for the ballroom to be completed by 2029, and has reportedly told workers to ignore standard building codes in the face of several setbacks. According to the New York Times, Trump gave ballroom workers the green light to ignore standard zoning, permitting, and code requirements in place of a more lax White House-specific code. This has raised concerns about the potential safety and structural integrity of the ballroom. Will the ballroom be able to withstand the test of time, or will it become a white elephant that is prone to costly repairs and maintenance?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Trump’s new ballroom continues to grow. The high cost, ongoing building, and potential influence of corporate donors have all raised questions about the project. Trump’s claim that the project is "under budget and ahead of schedule" seems to be at odds with the reality of the situation. The loss of the initial architect and the decision to ignore standard building codes have also raised concerns about the potential impact on the project. As the project continues to move forward, it will be interesting to see how these controversies play out and whether the ballroom will ultimately be completed on time and within budget.
