"For generations, each American president has left his stamp on the White House. But in just a year of his second term, President Trump has overseen a collection of changes that is unprecedented in scale, speed and cost. Some changes are cosmetic, while others are structural. As with his executive style, he has broken long-held norms in his makeover of the People's House."
"Critics have questioned Mr. Trump's demolition of the East Wing before gaining approvals, and the administration is under legal pressure over plans to build a ballroom in its place. It is difficult to know the full price tag of the renovations, but they come at a time when cost of living and inflation are top of mind for many Americans. Mr. Trump has said that he is personally paying for some projects, and that he and his donors would foot the bill for the $400 million ballroom."
"Mr. Trump is not done yet. In an interview with The Times this month, he said that designs were being drawn up for a second level on top of the West Colonnade. Called the Upper West Wing, it would hold offices for West Wing aides and future first ladies."
President Trump ordered a fast, large-scale renovation of the White House in the first year of his second term, combining cosmetic updates with structural changes. The overhaul included demolition of the East Wing before approvals were secured and plans for a $400 million ballroom that the administration says will be privately funded. Legal challenges and questions about the total cost have arisen while inflation and cost of living remain concerns for many Americans. Additional plans include adding a second level above the West Colonnade, dubbed the Upper West Wing, for aides and future first ladies. Ten distinct areas were transformed.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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