Work continues on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Trump’s demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House to create a new ballroom has caused a fair degree of uproar. Personally, I’m not that worried about the construction of the ballroom on its own, though I couldn’t tell you for certain whether or not such an addition is necessary. But I am extremely concerned about its cost.

I don’t mean this in a monetary sense. As Trump has repeatedly made clear, the new ballroom will come “with zero cost to the American taxpayer.” Instead, it “is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly.”

That’s a problem. In my mind, it’s good when American taxpayers pay for something that matters — because it means that we own it.

When I’ve visited national parks, the national mall, or simply engaged in the daily banality of using an interstate highway, I’ve taken pride in my experience because I know I helped make those things possible. What’s more, I can take pride in knowing that I didn’t contribute solely for my own benefit, but for every one of the 340 million Americans who call this country home.

When Trump and his billionaire buddies tear down these symbols of American democracy to make their own, they make it more and more clear that his presidency does not belong to the people, but to the highest bidder. Whether through his billionaire-bought White House renovations, his acceptance of a Qatari jet to become the next Air Force One, or his bribery-funded future presidential library, Trump has at every turn sold out the American people for his personal benefit. The true cost of this new ballroom isn’t zero dollars; it is the erosion of public trust in the integrity of our highest office.

Zachary J. Stickney, Murray

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