Donald Trump's plans for a new bulletproof ballroom at the White House are an affront to the very fabric of American democracy and architecture. The proposed $250 million structure, designed by James McCrery, founder of Washington-based McCrery Architects, promises to be one of the most grandiose White House projects in over a century.
The new ballroom will boast an aircraft-hangar-like design with gilded Corinthian columns, drooping gold chandeliers, and a coffered ceiling reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. It's a vision that would make even the great Emperor Nero proud. The opulent space is intended to host lavish parties for up to 650 guests, providing an epitome of Trump's penchant for grandeur.
The project comes as part of Trump's broader efforts to reshape the White House and American architecture in his image. In 2020, he made headlines by patio-fying the Rose Garden, and now he's planning a triumphal arch across the Potomac river from the Lincoln Memorial, complete with a gilded, winged goddess of victory. These moves are emblematic of Trump's style edicts and building bombast.
Critics, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), warn that these efforts undermine local communities' control over design preferences, imposing an imperial aesthetic that stifles creativity and freedom in federal architecture. The AIA has expressed "extreme concern" about the potential for bureaucratic hurdles and the erosion of design freedom.
While Trump's experience as a developer may have taught him how to push boundaries, his fetishization of classicism is a predictable move, aimed at establishing authority and undermining established elites – including those in architecture. As historian Daniel Abramson notes, "It gives Trump a narrative of authority and tradition."
Trump's actions are an affront to the very principles of democracy and civic design that America was founded upon. The White House should be a symbol of democracy, not a display of authoritarian grandeur. The proposed ballroom and triumphal arch projects are mere manifestations of a broader pattern of self-aggrandizement and disregard for democratic values.
It's time for Americans to take a stand against this megalomaniacal vision of Trump's. We must reclaim our national landmarks as symbols of civic pride, not indulgent displays of personal opulence. As we move forward in this tumultuous era, it's crucial that we prioritize architecture and design that reflects American values of inclusivity, diversity, and democracy – not the retrograde nostalgia of a bygone imperial era.
The new ballroom will boast an aircraft-hangar-like design with gilded Corinthian columns, drooping gold chandeliers, and a coffered ceiling reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. It's a vision that would make even the great Emperor Nero proud. The opulent space is intended to host lavish parties for up to 650 guests, providing an epitome of Trump's penchant for grandeur.
The project comes as part of Trump's broader efforts to reshape the White House and American architecture in his image. In 2020, he made headlines by patio-fying the Rose Garden, and now he's planning a triumphal arch across the Potomac river from the Lincoln Memorial, complete with a gilded, winged goddess of victory. These moves are emblematic of Trump's style edicts and building bombast.
Critics, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), warn that these efforts undermine local communities' control over design preferences, imposing an imperial aesthetic that stifles creativity and freedom in federal architecture. The AIA has expressed "extreme concern" about the potential for bureaucratic hurdles and the erosion of design freedom.
While Trump's experience as a developer may have taught him how to push boundaries, his fetishization of classicism is a predictable move, aimed at establishing authority and undermining established elites – including those in architecture. As historian Daniel Abramson notes, "It gives Trump a narrative of authority and tradition."
Trump's actions are an affront to the very principles of democracy and civic design that America was founded upon. The White House should be a symbol of democracy, not a display of authoritarian grandeur. The proposed ballroom and triumphal arch projects are mere manifestations of a broader pattern of self-aggrandizement and disregard for democratic values.
It's time for Americans to take a stand against this megalomaniacal vision of Trump's. We must reclaim our national landmarks as symbols of civic pride, not indulgent displays of personal opulence. As we move forward in this tumultuous era, it's crucial that we prioritize architecture and design that reflects American values of inclusivity, diversity, and democracy – not the retrograde nostalgia of a bygone imperial era.
I'm seriously concerned about this new ballroom proposal at the White House 
. It's just too much opulence for my taste. The $250 million price tag is staggering and could be better spent on more pressing issues facing our country 
. What bothers me most is that it seems like Trump is trying to impose his own ego on our national architecture, rather than letting the American people have a say in what we want our government buildings to represent 
.
), I think it's essential that we prioritize design that promotes inclusivity and diversity, not just grandiose displays of power 
. The potential for bureaucratic hurdles is also a significant concern – if this project goes forward, it could set a precedent for other government buildings to be designed with the same level of extravagance 
.
. We can't let Trump's vision of grandeur overshadow our country's true spirit 
.
honestly who thought a $250 million bulletproof ballroom was a good idea? it's like he raided his dad's inheritance fund for extra cash 
anyway i'm lowkey surprised no one's calling out his Rose Garden patio yet, that was just as cringeworthy 
and what's with the gilded everything? is this dude seriously trying to be some kind of ancient Roman emperor? 
and btw isn't there a thing about presidential buildings being symbols of democracy, not personal vanity? 
. The fact that Trump's all about building these opulent spaces to prove his ego is, like, totally disheartening. It's like he's trying to buy himself a seat at the table of history, rather than earning it through substance and leadership.
this is getting outta hand like what's next? a private movie theater in the oval office? $250 mil for a ballroom sounds like a crazy waste of cash to me 
? like what even is the point of that?! isn't the whole idea of the White House supposed to be about simplicity and elegance, not some over-the-top, opulent space that's more suited to a Bond villain lair 
it's just so... tacky.
. What's next, a private movie theater for himself? And $250 million is just outrageous 
.
. We need buildings that reflect our values of democracy, inclusivity, and diversity – not some retrofitted mess of imperial nostalgia 
.
. Time to take a stand against this megalomaniacal vision 
!
$250 million? That's like, crazy talk! Trump's all about showboating and making a statement, but at what cost? It's not just the money, it's the vibe he's trying to create. It's all about opulence and excess, like some kind of twisted Renaissance fair 
Newsflash: the White House isn't a fancy party venue, it's the people's house! What's next, a ballroom for every branch of government? 
I mean, who needs that much opulence in the middle of Washington D.C.? The American Institute of Architects is totally right to be concerned about this project – it's all about Trump trying to impose his own style on the nation's capital and undermining local communities' control over design preferences 
. And let's not forget the history behind these grandiose projects... isn't that just a bit, well, imperial? 
I think Americans need to take a stand against this kind of self-aggrandizement and prioritize architecture that reflects our values of inclusivity, diversity, and democracy – you know, the stuff that makes America great 
.
It's time to take a step back and ask ourselves if this is really the kind of democracy we want to represent...
. And what's next? A private movie theater or something? It just feels like more of the same old Trump antics, trying to make himself look important and powerful. I hope people speak out against this and show him that we're not buying into it 
or a giant water slide leading up to the rose garden 
? no seriously though, this is getting out of hand. i mean i get it, he wants to leave his mark but can't he just pick a style and stick with it instead of going full-on roman empire? 
anyway, someone pls tell me how much money it's gonna take for the ppl to stage a massive protest outside the white house... 
i mean have you guys ever played with this thing on? its like playing in a whole different world 
what do u think about trump wanting to build a huge ballroom at the white house tho? seems kinda extra to me 
and it looks like something out of an ancient Roman novel 
, not exactly what I'd call 'American' architecture 
. Plus, can you imagine the carbon footprint of that fancy ballroom?! 
As for Trump's vision of grandeur 
, it feels so... self-serving 
We need more inclusive design options 
not some imperial aesthetic that stifles creativity 
.
and make some changes that truly represent America's values