Trump Shreds CNN Reporter Over Ongoing Questions About Ballroom
President Donald J. Trump on Saturday forcefully pushed back against media hysteria over the cost of the new White House ballroom, dismissing criticism as yet another manufactured controversy from the “Fake News” press.
Early estimates placed the ballroom project at roughly $200 million, but updated plans—featuring a larger footprint and upgraded finishes—raised the projected price to $300 million. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins attempted to portray the increase as evidence of mismanagement, but Trump swiftly shut down the narrative.
“Caitlin Collins of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty, asked me why the new Ballroom was costing more money than originally thought one year ago,” Trump posted on social media. “I said because it is going to be double the size, and the quality of finishes and interiors has been brought to the highest level. Also, the column SPAN has been substantially increased for purposes of viewing. It is actually under budget and ahead of schedule, as my jobs always are.”
The president emphasized what most legacy outlets refuse to acknowledge: not a single taxpayer dollar is being spent on the project.
“Interestingly and seldom reported, there are no taxpayer dollars involved. It is being fully paid for by private donations,” Trump noted, adding that the upgraded cost reflects a ballroom that is “much bigger and more beautiful than originally planned.”
At approximately 90,000 square feet, the new facility will dwarf the size of the White House residence itself (about 55,000 square feet, excluding the West Wing). The administration initially projected seating for about 650 guests, but Trump now says the final capacity will be closer to 1,000—a dramatic improvement over the often-cramped indoor accommodations of past administrations.
Construction began in October, including the demolition of the East Wing, and the scope of the project has generated pushback from Democrats and Beltway critics who insist the ballroom is “too large” for the White House complex. The Trump administration counters that the addition is long overdue.
For decades, major White House events have been forced outdoors, subject to rain, cold, heat, mud, and the limitations of temporary tents. Trump has repeatedly argued that the executive mansion should feature a dignified indoor venue befitting its role as the center of American leadership.
In a statement this week, the White House blasted critics for turning a straightforward, privately funded improvement into another political sideshow.
“In the latest instance of manufactured outrage, unhinged leftists and their Fake News allies are clutching their pearls over President Donald J. Trump’s visionary addition of a grand, privately funded ballroom to the White House — a bold, necessary addition that echoes the storied history of improvements and additions from commanders in chief to keep the executive residence as a beacon of American excellence,” the administration said.
The project recently underwent a change in leadership after disagreements between Trump and the original architect over the ballroom’s size. Shalom Baranes has taken over as lead architect, while James McCrery II will remain involved as a consultant, according to The Washington Times.
Predictably, Democrats have seized on the project to rehash political grievances. Among them is former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, who accused Trump of taking a “wrecking ball to our heritage” in an October USA Today op-ed. Clinton slammed the East Wing demolition and broader federal reforms, claiming they represented a “disregard for history.”
Conservatives were quick to point out the irony of Clinton delivering lectures on “integrity” and “respect for history,” given the baggage still attached to her father’s presidency.
Despite the noise, the Trump administration maintains the project is on time, on budget, privately funded, and ultimately a gift to future presidents—whether they admit it now or not.