Ex-Biden Aide Says There's No Question' Trump Ballroom Is Needed'

"It's sad. I had a really wonderful office that I squatted in an hour or two after the inauguration ended, and remained there for nearly two years, he said. He continued: It's heartbreaking, and I'm sentimental about it and sad. At the same time, I think every first family, every president should play a role in evolving the White House and updating it and modernizing it and sometimes expanding it. I don't think there's any question that a ballroom is probably needed, he added."

"LaRosa's view, however, is at odds with many preservationist critics. Images of the destruction caused such backlash reportedly prompted the Secret Service to block media access to Ellipse Park, where construction crews had been filmed tearing down the structure. Those opposing the project have also protested that costs for the privately funded ballroom project had ballooned from $200 million to $300 million."

Demolition of the White House East Wing concluded to clear space for a new ballroom associated with President Trump, despite earlier assurances that work would not interfere with the existing building. Michael LaRosa, a former aide to Jill Biden, said he was heartbroken at losing his old office but argued that modernizing, updating, and sometimes expanding the White House is appropriate and that a ballroom is likely needed. Preservationist critics protested the destruction, which prompted Secret Service restrictions on media access to Ellipse Park. Opponents also noted that the privately funded project's costs rose from $200 million to $300 million.

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