WASHINGTON — President Trump is apparently keen on establishing a lasting legacy, quite literally.
The president claims that he’s constructing a new ballroom at the White House with such durability that any successor from the Democratic Party wouldn’t be able to dismantle it.
“I really don’t think they could, physically,” he mentioned in an interview with New York Magazine that was published on Friday.
“This is made from incredibly strong steel welded together and concrete that’s so tough it’s used in nuclear power plants,” Trump revealed. “You could go at those columns with a jackhammer for two days straight, and you wouldn’t even see a scratch. It’s nuclear-grade concrete. I think it’d be pretty challenging to take it down. It’s designed for a nuclear attack, after all. I’m not sure you could even get rid of it.”
The project, which has sparked some controversy, is intended to feature a grand staircase, a movie theater, and a kitchen. It’s already about halfway finished, with progress moving quickly since receiving approval from the Supreme Court last week.
Democrats have criticized the $400 million initiative as indicative of Trump being out of touch with the everyday worries of Americans, and even some Republican members fear that the optics of this project could hurt the party in the upcoming midterms.
A July poll from the Washington Post/Ipsos showed that 65% of respondents were either “upset” or “dissatisfied” with the ballroom project and Trump’s other initiatives for the capital.
Should Democrats reclaim control of the House, which they seem likely to do, they might initiate an investigation into the ballroom project, among other inquiries into the Trump administration. Some lawmakers have suggested that private donations financing the construction could resemble a “pay for play” scenario.
Many of the donors may soon find themselves called in front of congressional committees to justify their contributions post-January 2027.
However, there are concerns among some Democrats that their candidates might get sidetracked by the ballroom issue, potentially diverting attention from more pressing matters like the cost of living.
“I feel, at first glance, like the Democrats should focus on bigger issues than the ballroom,” former Obama spokesperson Tommy Vietor, now a co-host of “Pod Save America,” expressed to New York. “Yet, I might be completely wrong about the political landscape, and we could end up dedicating a good portion of the 2028 primary to discussing best demolition practices.”
Trump, who began his career in New York City’s real estate market, mentioned he wants to leave a tangible legacy over time.
“Many folks advised me, ‘Don’t participate in this interview.’ But I take pride in the work I’m doing,” he shared after giving a tour of the ballroom site.
Apparently, the president starts and ends his day by checking on the ballroom’s progress, which he can observe from his bedroom in the executive mansion.
“He’ll call me at 9:30 at night and say, ‘I’m going over to check on the new ballroom’s construction,’” said Eric Trump, the president’s son, noting that his father is reportedly having “more fun building this ballroom than I can describe.”
White House staff suggest that monitoring the ballroom isn’t a distraction from his responsibilities; rather, it’s a unique way for him to unwind.
“His routine revolves around construction,” remarked a former staff member to New York. “He doesn’t engage in workouts. This is his outlet.”
Since taking office again in January 2025, Trump has supervised renovations of the White House Rose Garden, added a helipad on the South Lawn, attempted to refurbish the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, placed his name on the Kennedy Center, and approved the construction of a grand arch outside Arlington National Cemetery.
The total estimated cost for these endeavors is approaching one billion dollars, much of which, according to Trump, is funded by private donations.
As reported by New York, part of Trump’s drive to reshape Washington stems from a strong belief that, once he’s gone, no one will honor him in any significant way.
“It should be named after me,” Trump asserted when asked if the ballroom would bear his name. “I honestly don’t know if it will, but it ought to.”
