White House Shares Aerial Footage of Ballroom Construction Progress
The White House is sharing an update on the controversial construction of the East Wing Ballroom with an aerial view captured from Marine One.
Construction in Progress
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino Jr. shared an image taken during President Trump's campaign trip to South Carolina, showing scaffolding around the ballroom as Marine One flies over the White House lawn.
A Series of Projects
This construction is part of a larger series of projects transforming Washington, D.C., from its most iconic landmarks to historic public spaces and cultural institutions.
Funding and Legal Challenges
The 20,000-square-foot ballroom, part of a 90,000-square-foot East Wing renovation, is funded by private funds and expected to accommodate up to 1,000 people. Despite Trump's assurance that taxpayer money will not be used, the project has faced legal challenges, including a federal appeals court blocking construction and a Supreme Court ruling allowing it to continue.
Security Concerns
The administration has emphasized security concerns, with Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton stating the project is "critical for ensuring...the gathering of senior government officials."
Changes at the White House
Trump has made several changes to the White House, including replacing the Rose Garden lawn with a paved patio and gilding the Oval Office, reflecting his background in real estate.
Contributing: Mike Stunson, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Maureen Groppe / USA TODAY NETWORK