White House Press Secretary Critiques New York Times Coverage of Ballroom Plans

Caroline Levitt, the White House press secretary, recently took aim at The New York Times over its critique of the new ballroom project. The article labeled the plans “unnecessarily large” and “very expensive,” and featured an interactive graphic of the design.

Levitt expressed her frustration on social media, noting that the Times highlighted opinions from three individuals described as art scholars and urban planning experts, none of whom have experience in construction. She emphasized that President Trump and his chief architect are involved in creating notable buildings around the world, all funded privately. The ballroom, she argued, has been a much-needed addition for decades.

The Times article included a graphic that pointed out various aspects of the ballroom’s design, claiming it was overly large, with specific arrows and circles indicating perceived flaws. One comment criticized a “false window” in the design.

A spokesperson for The New York Times, Daniel Rhodes Ha, responded, stating that the piece relied on insights from diverse professionals, including architects and historic preservationists, and noted that the project had limited public scrutiny compared to other significant developments in Washington. They stood by the article’s accuracy.

While the White House did not provide further comment, the article sparked mixed reactions. Some commentators, like Washington Post columnist Mark Thiessen, called the Times’ critique “embarrassing,” while others linked the coverage to broader critiques of the newspaper’s editorial stance.

President Trump mentioned that a sizeable military facility is being constructed beneath the planned ballroom, fully funded by private donations. This facility is intended to include protective measures and cater to larger events, as existing rooms are deemed insufficient for such gatherings.