Jeffries Critiques Trump Over White House Upgrades
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) recently expressed concern that President Donald Trump is constructing a banquet hall at the White House to be “celebrated like a king.”
During a press conference on Friday, Jeffries attributed the government shutdown to Republicans, asserting that they are taking a “road-or-highway approach” by proposing a straightforward continuing resolution (CR), which Democrats have previously supported. He claimed the Republican Party is pushing a radical agenda on the country.
Jeffries accused Republicans of being absent from negotiations, stating that Democrats are prepared to discuss solutions. However, he did not address the specifics of Democrats’ requests to reopen the government, which include funding for various progressive initiatives internationally.
In his comments, he mentioned the ongoing construction of a new ballroom in the White House, stating, “And Donald Trump is destroying parts of the White House in real time.” He continued, “That’s why he can build fancy balls where he is celebrated as if he were a king.” He highlighted that these developments are occurring during the ongoing 24-day shutdown and criticized Republicans for not engaging in talks with Democrats to find common ground on reopening the government and addressing the healthcare crisis affecting Americans.
This isn’t the first instance of Democratic frustration regarding the grand banquet hall project. Hillary Clinton has previously voiced concerns over fundraising activities tied to this, while Chelsea Clinton authored an op-ed reflecting on the changes in the White House, notably not recalling how her father, Bill Clinton, had caused his own controversies during his presidency.
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt responded to the “false outrage,” noting that “nearly every president who has lived in this beautiful White House behind me has personally modernized and renovated it.” She mentioned that many modern presidents have expressed a desire for a larger event space, referencing former President Barack Obama’s sentiments as well.
Levitt added, “If you talk to journalists who have covered the White House for decades, they will tell you that the next administration has been talking publicly and privately about the need for larger event spaces.”
Jeffries’ comments come after No Kings rallies were held nationwide over the weekend, where leftist activists protested against President Trump and his policies. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) pointed out the irony of these protests, suggesting that if Trump were indeed a king, “the government would be open.”
