恰逢美政府停摆，被疑大兴土木，白宫东翼2.5亿美元爆改“豪华宴会厅”

Core Points - The White House has initiated a large-scale renovation project, specifically the East Wing, which is currently in the demolition phase [1] - President Trump confirmed the construction of a new, grand banquet hall, which will be separate from the main White House building and will involve a complete overhaul of the East Wing [1][3] Summary by Sections Renovation Details - The East Wing was originally built in 1902 and expanded in 1942, currently housing the First Lady's office, a small cinema, and the guest entrance [3] - The new banquet hall will cover over 8,300 square meters and cost approximately $250 million [3] - Trump stated that the funding will come entirely from private donations, emphasizing that no taxpayer money will be used [3] Capacity and Design - The existing largest event space in the White House can accommodate 200 people, while the new banquet hall is designed to initially hold 650 people, with plans to expand capacity to 999 for future presidential inaugurations [3] - The design includes a black-and-white marble floor, a grid-patterned ceiling with crystal chandeliers, and bulletproof large windows for security [3] Controversies and Concerns - The renovation has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly following a recent dinner hosted by Trump for wealthy business leaders, where the banquet hall project was a topic of discussion [4] - Critics, including former White House ethics officials, have labeled the fundraising efforts as a "pay-to-play" scheme, questioning the integrity of the process [4] - Legal experts have noted that while the fundraising may not violate laws, it could undermine public trust in the government [4] - The Architectural Historians Association has expressed significant concern over the major changes to the White House's exterior, calling for strict adherence to design and approval processes [4] - There is uncertainty regarding whether the White House has submitted renovation plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, which is required for new government buildings or major renovations in Washington [4] Public Reaction - The timing of the renovation coincides with a government shutdown, leading to criticism from the Democratic National Committee, which argues that the focus on construction is a betrayal of citizens struggling with basic needs [5]