New reporting today that the Treasury Department has instructed employees not to take or share photos of this demolition crews tearing into parts of the east wing of the White House with bulldozers and cranes. The Wall Street Journal quotes an internal email requiring prior approval of the Office of Public Affairs before documenting what's going on. It's the site of what will ultimately be construction of President Trump's long-desired White House ballroom.MSNBC political analyst Wanita Toiver joins us now. ...

Core Argument - The current real estate system prioritizes profit over social and ecological values, leading to unnecessary demolition and new construction [4][5][15] - This system is fueled by a legal framework that favors new construction through tax incentives, subsidies, and building codes, making renovation less profitable and more difficult [19] - A shift in perspective is needed to recognize the inherent value in existing buildings and prioritize renovation and transformation [21][30] Problem Statement - Every minute in Europe, a house is demolished, not by natural disasters, but by human hands, driven by real estate speculation [2][3] - By 2050, Europe will demolish 2 billion square meters of space, enough to house 50 million people, exacerbating the housing crisis [12][13] - The building sector is a major contributor to CO2 emissions (38%) and waste production (36%), significantly impacting the environment [14][15] Proposed Solution - Advocate for new laws and policies that make renovation and transformation the new norm, creating a social, ecological, and economic alternative to demolition [32] - Focus on renovating existing buildings, recognizing the social and ecological value they hold, and acknowledging the energy and resources already invested in them [22][31] - Implement innovative renovation techniques, such as prefabricated elements, to improve living conditions, reduce costs, and minimize disruption to residents [24][25][26] Supporting Evidence - Lacaton & Vassal's renovation project in Bordeaux, France, transformed 530 apartments while residents remained in their homes, demonstrating a viable alternative to demolition [23][24] - The Bordeaux renovation cost €55,000 per apartment, a third of the cost of a standard new apartment (€165,000), while also providing winter gardens and improved living conditions [26] - The renovation process took only two weeks to improve each resident's life, cut down heating bills, and boost local businesses [26]