US President Donald Trump's plans to build a grand ballroom at the White House, which will cost $200 million, have been criticized in the United States, writes the Hill newspaper.
“This is the same idea behind DOGE and giving the money not to those who need it, but to the “big shots” who run everything - and Donald Trump is first on the list”, the newspaper quotes Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
According to the publication, some critics see the construction as an attempt to divert attention from the case of financier Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Trump is suspected of having ties. Epstein, who was accused of sex crimes, committed suicide in 2019.
As announced by the White House, the implementation of Trump's initiative to build a ballroom will begin in September and be completed before the end of his presidential term. The new building will be located separately, next to the east wing of the residence. Construction costs will be covered by the personal funds of the head of state and donations from unnamed sponsors.
Trump, as a businessman with many years of experience in the field of construction of various objects, from golf clubs to office skyscrapers, has repeatedly stated that the White House lacks suitable venues for holding large events. This is how he explains the need for the implementation of the project.