WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump Tuesday revealed that construction of what is expected to be a new ballroom within the White House walls has prompted some unhappiness from his wife, Melania.
Trump shared with reporters how Mrs. Trump reacts to the noise associated with building work on the main floor expansion project in the East Wing.
“I wouldn’t say my wife is thrilled. She hears pile drivers in the background, all day, all night,” he stated during a press briefing.
“They go till 12 o’clock in the morning, day, and night, with pile drivers operating throughout.”
Trump recounted being asked by Melania to address the disturbance: “‘Melania often asks, ‘Darling,’ could you turn off the pile drivers?'”
To this, according to Trump, he responds apologetically but firmly regarding construction schedules.
“Sorry,” Mr. President said, “but that’s progress.”
Despite acknowledging his wife’s concerns about noise disruption caused by the pile drivers operating late into the night – well past midnight – President Trump maintained enthusiasm for what will become of this project once completed under budgetary constraints.
“We’re doing great,” he expressed optimism.
“I think it’s going to be the finest ballroom ever built.”
The construction, backed financially through private donations including approximately $200 million from donors who share his vision, aims to build a 90,000-square-foot event space known as “the Donald J. Trump Ballroom.” This is significantly larger than the current East Room capacity of about 200 guests.
This isn’t Mr. Trump’s first White House renovation initiative since taking office.
He has overseen paving over sections near historic landmarks like partaking in Rose Garden lawn removals or proposing additions near Arlington National Cemetery.
The scale and expense of this project have drawn some criticism, notably from those concerned about the potential for public favors being sought through private donor influence.
