A heated debate has erupted in America regarding the new, huge ballroom proposed by US President Donald Trump in the White House. A ballroom is a large and magnificent hall in which dances, parties or formal functions take place. A large number of guests can come to the ballroom.
On one hand, Trump calls it a grand hall that enhances the dignity of the nation. On the other hand, experts, historians and government institutions are considering it as a breaking of traditions, extremely expensive and unusually powerful intervention. Let us know the major reasons behind the uproar behind the construction of the ballroom.
Ballroom has been Trump’s dream
Donald Trump has long dreamed of building a ballroom in the White House. First he wanted a hall with 500 seats. Then the capacity increased to 650, 999 and finally 1,350 seats. The latest plan includes such a huge structure, which is said to be bigger than the West Wing and the main building. Trump told the donors that he wanted a hall that could accommodate a crowd as big as the inauguration.
Trump has already made changes in many parts of the White House like gold decorations, new portraits, a big patio in the Rose Garden, golden letters on the West Wing. Critics say that this is an attempt to mold the White House into Trump’s personal style more than a building of democracy.
Game worth about Rs 27 billion
Initial estimates for the project were $200 million, but the cost soon increased to $300 million. Trump claims that he is raising this amount from donors and many industrialists including tech and crypto companies are supporting it. But critics say Trump is weakening regulatory and democratic oversight of White House construction by bypassing Congress, reducing transparency, and adopting a model based on private donations.
What are the major reasons for the uproar?
1. Accusation of not following rules and regulations: Many people associated with the project claim that Trump told the team that no zoning, permit, or safety code is required for construction in the White House complex. Although architects and construction companies are insisting on following the standards, Trump’s attitude is raising concerns.
2. Interference in Government Institutions: Trump took several steps to weaken the institutions that hinder construction. Appointed his personal attorney, Will Scharf, to head the National Capital Planning Commission. The entire board of the Commission of Fine Arts was dismissed.
3. Threat to the historical identity of the White House: Historians argue that the White House is not just the home of the President but is a symbol of the American people. According to experts, such a big and grand construction can affect the original architecture due to which it will deviate from the tradition and become a monument of personal ambition.
4. Dispute over mistakes in design: Many flaws in the design of the ballroom are also the reason for this chaos. Defects were found such as windows clashing with each other, stairs that lead nowhere, there is even a proposal to demolish the East Wing completely. All this indicates that the project is moving ahead hastily and without substantive review.
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