Donald Trump's decision to cover White House in gold has sparked backlash as people make sad point

As part of his nine-figure plan to restore the White House, President Trump has made the controversial decision to adorn several sections of his royal residence in gold.

For those out of the loop, the Republican's team first announced last week (31 Jul) that a staggering $200 million (£150m) would be plied into the construction of a brand new ballroom.

One section of the announcement read: "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 honouring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance."

According to CNN, the latest additions came just weeks after the 79-year-old began adding 'gold piece after gold piece' to sections of the residence, 'including tiny gold cherubs over the doorway' to the Oval Office.

Plans were previously unveiled for a ballroom renovation (The White House)

"A lot of the finishes that he wants closely resemble his private clubs," journalist Kevin Liptak previously explained of the gold in an Instagram video. "And some of the details have actually been imported from Mar-a-Lago."

In response to the news, whilst some critics feared that the elaborate renovations formed part of Trump's plan to remain in the Oval Office for a third term, others were astounded by the way that the money was being spent.

Taking to X (formely Twitter), one user hit out: "Trump is gold plating everything in the White House while cutting cancer research and meals on wheels."

"I don't know how you justify covering the White House in gold after you cut cancer research funding and SNAP benefits for poor, hungry children," another hit out, before asking: "Explain it to me like I'm a starving child with cancer."

More gold has been plied into the Oval Office (JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Another pointed out: "This is F—king real. They are throwing kids off of school meals and Medicaid and putting real gold all over the White House as if Saddam Hussein was president."

Summarising the events, another continued: "Trump is now remodeling the Oval Office to cover it in gold after ordering a $200 million golden ballroom. All after cutting 17 million Americans’ health care and taking food away from hungry children."

Someone else also slammed the President, adding: "Whatever your politics and whether you like President Trump, love him, MAGA, Ultra-MAGA, Super-MAGA, I don't care. I will say all the gold in the White House is disgusting.

"America doesn't do this. We don't have Saddam palaces. Or kings. We just don't. Well we didn't use to."

Another asked: "Are you ok with Trump spending $200,000,000.00 on a Gold- plated Ballroom at the White House while also cutting school meals for millions of needy children and Medicaid for millions of poor Americans?"

Critics pointed out that Trump had already cut benefits (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The horde of complaints refer to findings made last month that the Republican administration's 'big beautiful' reconciliation package includes 'substantial' cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as per CNBC.

As a result to the financial legislation signed off by Trump, 22.3m families across the US will, or already have, had their benefits - which include the provisions of basic food assistance - taken away.

According to the New York Times, the President's bill will require the biggest cut to SNAP since 1939 - the year that the food stamp program began during the Great Depression.

Tyla contacted the White House for comment.

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