The demolition of the White House’s East Wing sparked controversy throughout America as President Donald Trump announced his new project: a 90,000-square foot ballroom. The American people, Republicans and Democrats alike, expressed concern over the cost, as well as the loss of this historical structure, resulting in a significant drop in the president’s approval rating.

Many citizens were unaware of what was lost during the destruction of the East Wing: the Jackie Kennedy garden, an underground bunker and social event spaces such as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s theater. Historians emphasize that even though these rooms were of lesser importance,
the historical integrity of the building as well as the surrounding landscape could be lost because of this advancement.

During an interview with Fox News, Trump said the loss of the East wing was necessary for the construction of the ballroom, and that the East Wing was “a poor, sad sight.” He also emphasized that there would be “zero money spent by the government” on this project, and that it would be paid for entirely by private sponsors.

A Tualatin student, Kynzie McNeill, commented on the issue.

“Despite his whole campaign being ‘Make America Great Again,’ he doesn’t seem to care about the historical significance of the building.”

McNeill brings up the point that the history of America could be perhaps the most important loss in this demolition project.

“But,” she added, “let them dance.”

Another student, Bilal Hourani, added to this, stating, “There are two obvious problems with this new project of Donald Trump, the first being the obvious cost. This country is going through tribulations internally every single day.”

He noted the allotment of priorities and donor money would be better spent on the many issues brought to light during the government shutdown, or on getting the government back on track using the funding from said donations.

“The allocation of resources could be used to help the country instead of his own whims and desires,” Hourani said. “Second to that is the disregard and disrespect to significant historical pieces that were destroyed in order for this ballroom to happen.”

The consensus from interviews with students and polls taken by news outlets relating to this project is that there are many issues that Americans feel should take precedence over the renovation of the East Wing. There have been changes made to the East Wing prior to his presidency a multitude of times, but none quite as drastic as the complete leveling and replacement of the structure.

Despite public opinion and his tanking approval ratings, there seems to be no end in sight for this enterprise.