Opinion | The Corruption Behind Trump’s East Wing Demolition

A lot happened this week. “The operation targeted illegal gambling and sports rigging -” “Priceless jewels from the Louvre Museum -” “The Department of Justice will pay him $230 million -” “Confrontation between federal agents and New Yorkers in Chinatown -” Here’s something you shouldn’t miss. On Monday, President Trump began demolishing the entire East Wing of the White House to build “probably the best ballroom ever built.” Here’s how Americans reacted. “Destroy the entire East Wing. This is despicable.” “Does the president have the authority to do this? Absolutely not.” “He will absolutely destroy everything this country stands for to satisfy his own interests.” [expletive] ego.” President Trump isn’t the first person to renovate the White House. But Trump hasn’t even bothered to reveal his plans to the American public. “Many people were surprised to see the entire East Wing demolished —” — Or go through the proper approval channels before starting demolition. Is that frustrating? Yes, it is, but the kicker is that he funded this project entirely through private donors. “You can probably hear the beautiful sound of construction in the back. “When I hear this sound, it reminds me of money.” The president spent months recklessly enriching himself and his family. Even this week he asked his own Justice Department to pay him “$230 million.” But nothing tells the story of this scam better than taking a wrecking ball to the People’s House with private money. Apparently rich people are buying access to the president under the guise of this construction project. Just last week, Trump met with representatives of companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin. hosted a dinner. Energy executives and crypto entrepreneurs filled the room and donated large sums of money to the $200 million project. Another $22 million came from the settlement of the lawsuit filed by Trump against YouTube. The White House did not say exactly who paid or how much. “The President is privately financing this ballroom addition to the White House grounds.” But we know that many of these people are interested in engaging with the president. Meanwhile the government is still closed, many federal agencies are closed, and most employees will not receive a paycheck. “I’m trying not to stress about it, but I need to know when it’s over.” But Trump still has the money he needs to make his mark in the people’s home. The President may not be using your money, but this is your home and you need to know what’s happening to it.