Now, former President Donald Trump didn’t ever release outlandish plans to turn the East Wing of the White House into a casino. He envisions a grand bulletproof ballroom that will seat as many as 650 guests. He justifies this lavish undertaking by calling it essential since he’s dissatisfied with his existing accommodations. Its design exemplifies his radical architectural dreams, making it a reflection of a style frequently connected with despotic leaders.
The East Wing has been the First Lady’s office ever since it was built in 1902. It sits literally on top of the presidential emergency operations center. Since Trump has now rendered it unfit for his purposes, urgent calls have been made to undertake a dramatic overhaul. The planned ballroom will dazzle with its lavishly stenciled coffered ceiling and gilded Corinthian columns. Drooping gold chandeliers will complete the luxurious setting, providing a real touch of class.
The estimated price tag of the new ballroom project is $250 million (£187.5 million). We’ll fund this ambitious effort through the large gifts of our supporters. The implementation of this expense begins one of the most lavish makeovers of the White House in more than 100 years. Beyond that, it reveals Trump’s affection for show-stopping architecture.
In addition to the ballroom, Trump revealed plans for a monumental triumphal arch intended to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. This arch will join the planned Eisenhower Exchange Fellows Federation House across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. In doing so, it’s on track to becoming a potent emblem of American greatness.
Trump’s vainglorious architectural vision may be the least radical part of his agenda after all. He even ordered that all new federal public buildings should feature “traditional and classical architecture” as the default style. He has established an executive order titled “Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,” which grants him final veto power over designs for such structures.
James McCrery, founder of Washington-based McCrery Architects, has been named the architect of record for Trump’s ballroom venture. McCrery noted that “Americans love classical architecture, because it is our formative architecture – and we love our nation’s formation.” His remarks sort of crystallize the idea that Trump’s architectural turn is meant to inspire feelings of national historical precedent and power.
Not everyone is on board with Trump’s architectural vision. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) expressed concern at the possibility of changes. They are concerned that these changes would remove local communities’ control and impose federal design standards in their place. They contend these reforms would backtrack on design freedom and create new bureaucratic hurdles for federally designed buildings.
Daniel Abramson, an architectural historian, commented on Trump’s approach by stating, “It gives Trump a narrative of authority and tradition.” This perspective suggests that Trump’s focus on classical design serves a dual purpose: it reinforces his image as a leader connected to historical American values while establishing a distinctive style for his administration.
The renovation of the East Wing as well as the construction of the triumphal arch signify Trump’s aspiration to leave a lasting mark on the White House’s architectural landscape. His vision reflects a desire shared by many political leaders to elevate their ideologies through monolithic forms.