Politics
NEW: Swalwell Loses It Over Trump’s White House Renovations: ‘Take A Wrecking Ball’
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) called on Democratic Party presidential hopefuls to pledge to “take a wrecking ball” to President Donald Trump’s ongoing ballroom renovations in the White House’s East Wing.
Democrats have reacted with fury to President Trump’s decision to upgrade the existing White House East Wing, which is being privately funded and will not use any taxpayer funds. Despite the facts surrounding the $250 million project — and decades of precedent regarding renovations directed by the commander in chief — Democrats have accused Trump of “desecrating” the White House and have called for retribution.
Among them is the far-left congressman Eric Swalwell, who called for the renovations to be demolished as a leading policy goal for the Democratic Party. “Don’t even think of seeking the Democratic nomination for president unless you pledge to take a wrecking ball to the Trump Ballroom on DAY ONE,” Swalwell posted on X Sunday.
He later added a follow-up post quoting Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), which suggested that the ballroom should be at least renamed in honor of former President Barack Obama. “But a Trump monument to corruption will not stand,” he added.
***Or, as @RubenGallego proposes, rename it the Barack Obama Ballroom.
But a Trump monument to corruption will not stand.
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) October 26, 2025
President Trump announced earlier this month that he had authorized construction of a formal ballroom, which is set to be the first in White House history. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously announced back in July that the finished product will be a 90,000-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate approximately 650 seated guests and will stay true to the classical design of the White House.
“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building’s entrance,” Leavitt said, adding the new ballroom will be “a much-needed and exquisite addition.”
Trump has made a number of additional upgrades to the White House, including the introduction of gold accents in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, a “walk of fame” that includes portraits of former presidents, as well as a photo of an autopen to commemorate former President Joe Biden’s time in office.
In addition, Trump recently unveiled plans for a new national monument for the nation’s 250th birthday celebration next year. Models shared by the president depict a near identical construction of Paris’ iconic Arc de Triomphe.
