President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique against his predecessors. He accused them of failing to maintain the White House proper. Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated the residence was in “very bad condition, both inside and out.” He went further to describe the building as a “dump!” while sharing photos of restored columns.
The president claimed the exterior “skin” of the building was practically falling off. He argued that more time without renovation would have destroyed the historic structure. Trump insisted the home is now in better shape than when it was built in 1792. He called the restoration work a “gift to the United States of America.” Per reports, Trump praised the Department of the Interior and contractors for doing a “fantastic job.”
Ballroom Costs and Private Funding
A major part of these renovations includes a new East Wing ballroom. Construction began in September 2025 with an initial price tag of $200 million. However, contracts and planning documents reviewed by the Washington Post show the cost has since rocketed to around $600 million. The new space will hold between 900 and 999 people. This represents a 40% increase from plans announced in July of last year.
Despite the high price, Trump claims the project is “free of charge to the American taxpayer.” He wrote on Saturday that the work is “Massively expensive, but free of charge to the American taxpayer – on budget, and ahead of schedule!” He has consistently stated there is “not one dime of government money going into the ballroom.” Instead, he says the project is funded by himself and private donors.
Leadership Changes in the Press Shop
While touting construction, Trump also offered an update on White House staffing. He hinted that the administration has developed a short list to replace Karoline Leavitt as press secretary. Leavitt, the youngest person ever to hold the post, left in mid-August to raise her second child. She now works for the Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc.
When asked if he had a favorite candidate, Trump told reporters, “I may have developed one over the weekend.” He noted that “many people want it” and have been written about. Until a new hire is named, Cabinet secretaries will continue to hold briefings. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have already filled the role in Leavitt’s absence. Trump praised Vance’s recent performance, saying he “did a great job.”
Questions on Future Economic Plans
Separately, discussions continue regarding a proposed $5,000 “dividend” for every U.S. adult. The Daily Wire reports this idea equates the payout to a corporate distribution of profits. This comes as the federal deficit surpasses $2 trillion. Critics point out the dividend is unaffordable, yet the proposal keeps gaining traction. The plan suggests normalizing government cash payments detached from work or production.
Trump has previously teased similar ideas, including a $2,000 tariff dividend. He has also expressed support for sharing gains from AI with Americans.
