The White House dismissed outrage over demolishing parts of the East Wing to build a privately funded, 90,000-square-foot, $250 million ballroom championed by President Donald Trump, labeling criticism “manufactured.” Viral photos of crews tearing down sections fueled backlash, even as Trump celebrated the “music” of construction and said the project would respect the existing building. The Treasury Department, which can see the site, told staff not to share images for security reasons. Donations will finance the ballroom; Comcast is among top donors. Rep. Darren Soto blasted the project as “a disgrace.”

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.