Swalwell demands 2028 Dem candidates vow to destroy Trump’s White House ballroom project
In a bold move that has sparked considerable debate within the Democratic Party, Rep. Eric Swalwell of California has called for the next Democratic presidential nominee to commit to demolishing the recently constructed White House ballroom, a project initiated under former President Donald Trump. Swalwell’s declaration, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizes that any contender seeking the Democratic nomination for 2028 must pledge to take “a wrecking ball” to what he terms the “Trump Ballroom” on their first day in office. This statement reflects ongoing tensions within the party regarding how to address Trump’s legacy and the significant changes he made to the White House during his presidency.
The ballroom, which is being built to accommodate around 650 guests, marks a historic first for the White House, as it will be the formal ballroom that the residence has never had before. Announced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the construction is set to cost $250 million, funded by Trump and private donors. The ballroom aims to eliminate the need for makeshift tents used for hosting major functions with world leaders, a situation that has been criticized for its lack of elegance. Alongside the ballroom, Trump has made various other renovations, including gold accents in the Oval Office and the installation of the so-called “Arc de Trump,” which has drawn both admiration and criticism for their opulence and departure from traditional decor.
Swalwell’s stance encapsulates a growing sentiment among some Democrats who view the renovation of the White House as a symbol of Trump’s controversial presidency. By making the demolition of the ballroom a litmus test for 2028 candidates, Swalwell is not only challenging the party to confront Trump’s legacy directly but also to define its own identity moving forward. As the 2028 election approaches, the Democratic Party will need to navigate these complex issues, balancing the desire to distance itself from Trump’s influence while also addressing the broader implications of his presidency on American politics and culture.
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Rep.
Eric Swalwell
, D-Calif., said the next Democratic presidential nominee must vow to demolish President
Donald Trump
‘s White House ballroom, proposing the pledge a litmus test for the party’s 2028 contenders.
“Don’t even think of seeking the Democratic nomination for president unless you pledge to take a wrecking ball to the Trump Ballroom on DAY ONE,” Swalwell wrote on X on Saturday.
Swalwell’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital for additional comment.
SPRAWLING NEW $250M WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM TO BE PAID FOR BY TRUMP AND DONORS
For the first time in its history, the White House will have a formal ballroom, a new addition built where the East Wing once stood, a project that has become a political flashpoint as photos of the demolition fuel debate over President Trump’s mark on the historic residence.
On July 31,
White House
press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the planned construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The
sprawling ballroom
will accommodate approximately 650 seated guests and will stay true to the classical design of the White House.
FROM THE GILDED OVAL OFFICE TO A NEW MONUMENT: A LOOK AT TRUMP’S RENOVATION PROJECTS
“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring
world leaders
in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building’s entrance,” Leavitt said, adding the new ballroom will be “a much-needed and exquisite addition.”
Construction on the White House grounds, which began earlier this month, is estimated to cost $250 million and will be financed by Trump and private donors.
The ballroom isn’t the only update.
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Trump has introduced
gold accents
in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, a new monument dubbed the ”
Arc de Trump
,” the “walk of fame” with portraits of former presidents, including a photo of the autopen representing former President Joe Biden’s time in office, added stone pavers to the Rose Garden lawn and installed
two 88-foot flagpoles.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
