At a time when many people are living paycheque to paycheque, President Donald Trump has caused upset following a grand announcement for the White House.
Following increased import taxes and the threat of the One Big Beautiful Bill looming, many Americans are worried financially.
It's believed that many of Trump's wealthy friends stand to benefit but some citizens have been left counting every last dollar, so the latest news from the White House has caused upset.
Posting on social media, Trump's administration announced that something new is coming.
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It said: "BREAKING: We're getting an expansion!
"Beginning in September, construction will begin on a brand-new 90,000 square ft ballroom that will be enjoyed for generations to come."
The post continued: "For 150 years, Presidents, Administrations, and White House Staff have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests than currently allowed. President Donald J. Trump has expressed his commitment to solving this problem on behalf of future Administrations and the American people.
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"The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, yet the White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance."
The administration insists that the ballroom is 'a much-needed and exquisite addition' and will be an 'ornately designed and carefully crafted space'.
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The backlash to the announcement arrived quickly, in the wake of healthcare cuts for 17 million Americans.
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One X user wrote: "Building a giant ballroom while half the country loses healthcare and is in poverty and can’t find housing or rent… I feel like I'm reading about pre-revolution France."
A second added: "Trump's grotesque obsession with splurging $200 million on a gaudy gold-plated White House ballroom while slashing healthcare for 17 million Americans exposes his narcissistic priorities and utter contempt for the suffering masses."
Meanwhile, a third slammed: "The Trump administration just announced they will be building a massive $200 million gold-plated ballroom at the White House after signing a law cutting 17 million Americans’ health care."
"We don’t need a ballroom. We need lower food prices and gas prices. Tell trump no," added another, while one critic wrote: "Literally nobody voted for this."
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The White House confirmed that the new ballroom extension will be paid for by President Trump 'and other patriot donors'.
It wrote that Trump and his supporters 'have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million dollar structure', however, it confirmed that the United States Secret Service 'will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications'.
Trump supporters hit back at critics, with one writing: "Why do you care if he and other donors are building a ballroom?"
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Someone else commented: "He is spending his own money. Perhaps you should consider reading a newspaper before you make such short-sited [sic] comments. Our President is a builder. The construction style will be consistent what is already present at the White House."
The White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said: "President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail. The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come."
Topics: Politics, Donald Trump, Money, US News
Jen Thomas