Swalwell Urges Democratic Candidates to Dismantle Trump’s Proposed Ballroom
U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, is challenging 2028 Democratic presidential candidates to commit to demolishing President Donald Trump’s envisioned White House ballroom.
On Sunday, Swalwell expressed his sentiments on X, stating, “Don’t even think about running for the Democratic presidential nomination unless you vow to take a wrecking ball into the Trump Ballroom on day one.” He also suggested that the next Democratic president could consider renaming it the Barack Obama Ballroom, although no official name for the space has been proposed by the White House.
“But President Trump’s monument to corruption will not be erected,” he added, firm in his stance.
Swalwell is not alone in his views; several Democratic lawmakers have criticized the ballroom addition despite it being funded entirely through private donations, sparing American taxpayers any financial burden. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt pushed back against the criticism, pointing out that many past presidents have made renovations to the historic residence, citing former President Barack Obama, who added a basketball court during his administration.
During Obama’s tenure, state dinners often took place under temporary tents on the South Lawn due to space constraints, a significant inconvenience. In contrast, the new ballroom is designed to accommodate about 650 guests, making indoor events much easier to manage.
Additionally, President Trump has considered holding his inauguration ceremony at a banquet hall, a decision aimed at enhancing security for high-profile guests, especially given last summer’s incident where he was shot in the ear at an outdoor venue in Pennsylvania.
Interestingly, while the new construction moves forward, many areas of the White House will remain unchanged, including the West Wing and various porticos. Plans include expanding the east wing to feature a grand banquet hall; this wing historically housed a nuclear bunker and various offices.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has also raised concerns regarding the project, likely drawing on her own experiences in the White House with her husband, former President Bill Clinton. They returned $28,000 worth of furniture and reimbursed the White House an additional $86,000 for items deemed stolen.
In a recent post, Chelsea Clinton remarked on X that the alteration of the east wing reflects a greater issue, suggesting that it symbolizes Trump targeting “our heritage” and undermining democracy and the rule of law.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has echoed dissatisfaction with the ballroom’s construction, highlighting renovation struggles in his own state capitol, which has ballooned in budget since he took office.
Some conservatives, in a lighthearted manner, have teased those who oppose the ballroom project, joking about “Ballroom Derangement Syndrome,” a tongue-in-cheek diagnosis for the vocal backlash against the undertaking.
