Backlash Against Hillary Clinton’s Criticism of Trump’s White House Projects

Conservative lawmakers and commentators are responding to Hillary Clinton’s recent criticism of President Donald Trump’s plans to build a ballroom at the White House. They pointed out her previous controversies regarding the furnishings and gifts the Clintons took with them when they left office in 2001.

On Tuesday, Clinton took to social media to voice her disapproval of Trump’s construction projects, stating, “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.”

Trump announced on Monday that work had begun on a new grand ballroom, which is being funded privately and will not involve taxpayer money.

“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build a new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” Trump noted in a post on Truth Social. He added that the East Wing would also undergo modernization, promising it would look more beautiful once completed.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz criticized Clinton’s comments about the ballroom in a post on X, quipping, “At least he didn’t steal the silverware.”

Cruz’s remarks reference a long-standing issue from 2001 when the Clintons left the White House. They acknowledged taking around $190,000 worth of gifts, including furniture and silverware, which donors claimed were meant for the White House, not for personal use. Eventually, the Clintons returned approximately $28,000 worth of these items and paid around $86,000 for others.

“All of these items were considered gifts to us,” Hillary had stated back then. “That’s what the permanent record of the White House showed… But if there is a different intent, we will certainly honor the intention of the donor.”

Clinton also faced criticism from Fox News host Sean Hannity, who reminded her of former President Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky. He suggested she should refrain from lecturing about the White House’s sanctity.

“Hillary, spare us the lectures on the sanctity of the White House, and maybe next time you might want to think before you go to X,” he remarked.

Conservative commentator Benny Johnson chimed in as well, asking, “Hi Hillary, remind us, wasn’t it you who walked off with $28,000 in White House furniture when you moved out?” He emphasized that Trump was funding the new ballroom entirely out of his own pocket.

In light of concerns regarding the ballroom’s construction, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle reiterated that Trump is dedicated to improving the White House without using taxpayer funds.

“These long-needed upgrades will benefit generations of future presidents and American visitors to the People’s House,” he stated.