'Frivolous endeavor': Trump receiving backlash for construction of WH ballroom

Project Details & Controversy - The Treasury Department instructed employees not to take or share photos of the demolition of the White House east wing for the construction of President Trump's ballroom [1] - The project is financed by tech, crypto, and defense companies, raising questions about potential quid pro quo [6] - There are discrepancies regarding the source of funding for the ballroom, with Trump initially stating private entities were contributing $5 million more, then later claiming he was personally paying for it [6][7][8] Economic & Public Perception - The project is perceived as a frivolous endeavor, especially when contrasted with the economic struggles of the American public, including rising costs and reliance on credit cards for basic needs [9][11][12] - The public is expressing outrage, with negative reviews flooding the company demolishing parts of the White House [10] - The timing of the construction coincides with the final quarter of the year, a period when households typically face financial challenges, potentially exacerbating negative perceptions [12]