319 Comments
User's avatar
Mark McPeek's avatar

I will only vote for a candidate who campaigns on restoring all back to pre-Nazi buildings. East wing restored in full. All statues ungolded. EVERYTHING!

karen sundberg's avatar

Let’s make Roberts responsible for the cost. This is our house, not Trumps, or Roberts

Robert's avatar

Roberts is wealthy, but he doesn't have the deep pockets. This is Trump's baby and he's made some $2 billion this year alone, mostly from his crypto scams. He should pay for it.

Bridget Collins's avatar

Every billionaire who donated to this travesty of a ballroom -- KNOWING IT WAS BEING ILLEGALLY BUILT -- should also pay for the restoration.

Mike Hammer's avatar

He certainly has the funds.

Susan B's avatar

Just imagine the blow to Roberts ego when Congress votes to demolish it

W.J. Gallo's avatar

Agree. We must destroy and then rebuild. Nothing less will suffice.

Kathy's avatar

Oh, I SO agree with you! And fix the Supreme Court so that the Chief Justice alone cannot rule on decisions that affect the People. This is tyrany.

John Conway's avatar

All of D.T's vanity horrors must be removed

Ginny K's avatar

And to expand and unstack the corrupted court.

Mare Meyer's avatar

I would prefer blown up in a controlled implosion, but torn down will do.

I also think the WH should be restored along with the Rose Garden, and turned into a museum. No members of the executive branch should live there ever again.

Also, maybe we need to retool the Executive Branch into making it more of a group than a single figure?

Cathy Learoyd (Texas)'s avatar

Yes, the Rose Garden was a beautiful contribution by First Lady Jackie Kennedy. It should be restored.

Mary Greenwald's avatar

And with it, the I.M. Pei pergola dedicated to Mrs. Kennedy by First Lady Ladybird Johnson.

Lila Schwartz's avatar

And don't forget: The rose is our national flower, both by tradition and as proclaimed officially by President Reagan on November 20, 1986. (Please correct me if I have misstated anything!)

Cathy Learoyd (Texas)'s avatar

You are correct. It is also interesting that as a symbol the rose stands for life, love, devotion, beauty, and eternity. George Washington grew roses at Mount Vernon.

Nancy F's avatar

Oooooh, controlled implosion, love it! And if he won't leave?...

Mare Meyer's avatar

He may wander off the roof. He is a Russian asset, so …

AVee. (Alexia)'s avatar

Made me smile …. I know that might make me look wicked … but ☺️☺️☺️

Bruce Olsen's avatar

I thought that applied only to literal defenestration; when was the definition broadened?

Mare Meyer's avatar

Well he goes up to the roof to look at his "ballroom". There are articles and photos showing him up there on the roof. The Secret Service is not happy he goes up there.

Bridget Collins's avatar

At this moment, his presence wouldn't stop me from hitting the button.

Tish Grier's avatar

If he won't leave? Oh well💣🫯🤷

David Hope's avatar

There is much to what you say.

I think everything should be on the table after this.

Everything.

Joe Watters's avatar

I’m going to answer your question differently than many commenters, and from a pragmatic perspective. Unlike a lot of commenters here and elsewhere, I don’t think the ballroom MUST be torn down. It could be torn down, but it also can be renovated and repurposed. The space does not need to remain an entertainment space. It could become an amazing visitor center and educational center about the American Republic, run by the Smithsonian.

No matter what happens to the ballroom, the bunker/complex underneath is going to stay. The speed with which the national security apparatus moved to get that included and started tells me that it has long had plans for an expanded complex underneath the White House, and they are taking every advantage of this opportunity.

To the extent that all of his terrible additions to the National Mall area get removed or changed, I don’t think that should be anything more than a footnote in a Democratic campaign. These things are the expensive shiny distractions. The President should delegate to an independent commission or something, charge it with figuring out what can be creatively reused and what should be removed, and then task the Secretary of the Interior and maybe the Vice President with making the recommendations happen within four years.

I want the Democratic president most visibly focused on gaining, as best as is possible, America’s re-entry into the group of free and prosperous nations. I want the Democratic president to advocate for and charge Congress with, and agree to sign into law, fixing as many of the loopholes, forgotten statutes, and poorly thought out grants of power to the Executive as is possible. Especially all of the crazy grants of emergency power that occurred during the Cold War. Project 2025 clearly went through the Federal Code with a fine toothed comb, finding every lever they could to use to force their dark vision upon America.

I want the Democratic president focused on the actual existential issues facing America: the huge wealth inequality, strengthening the safety net, making the federal government competent again, and very seriously rethinking what and how (and whether) we spend $1 trillion plus on the military with so little to show for it.

None of this will, or should, “restore America to its former place in the world”. The American Empire is coming to an end, like it or not. The task of the Democratic president is to manage the end of that empire so as to cause the least harm to us and the world, and to help America find a post-hegemony place in that world.

Steven Beschloss's avatar

Thanks for your thoughtful input, Joe.

Jay Freedman's avatar

I'll fully agree with this post, and add another responsibility for the coming Democratic president (and Congress, if possible): Return to seeking reduction of climate change, especially by increasing renewable energy use and reducing the political influence of fossil fuel producers.

Bruce Olsen's avatar

It's like de-Nazification was for Germany. We have to publicly repudiate him

Drea's avatar

Excellent answer. Focusing on the future of the ballroom is a red herring. There are many more important things a Democratic President would need to address.

Bridget Collins's avatar

Every day it remains standing, it's a public humiliation.

Do you remember one of the first things the Allies did when they took Berlin?

https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1001506

Dawn Kucera's avatar

Excellent commentary. The one thing I would add to this would be we must hold the members of the Trump administration accountable for their incompetence and their grift.

Kim Hansen's avatar

It’s nothing but an eyesore that does not fit with the setting at all. An aesthetic abomination. The White House was built without the ostentation of monarchies, for a very good reason. Traitor Trump does not have any business trying to turn it into Versailles.

Tear it down. And sell pieces of it to commemorate and fund a historically accurate restoration of the East Wing.

Rebecca Smit's avatar

Absolutely read my mind. I don’t want us to be responsible for waste when we can repurpose and reuse.

Ann Sharon's avatar

Thanks. I agree. I refuse to cast aside major issues like deconstructing effects of the unitary executive doctrine, protecting elections, the unfettered corruption & wealth disparities, healthcare & reforms to restore Constitutional safeguards being eliminated by SCOTUS (which needs its own reforms). But the ballroom & similar actions are successful distractions by being so visible; representing corruption and destruction of symbols to which we as Americans hold deep emotional attachments.

I believe the desire to make the bunker larger before this may have stalled due to concerns about destabilizing the East Wing — we’ve seen Drumpf’s solution which glommed onto ‘national security” late in the game. The actually solution most likely was to build other military installations underground in the area. There is a very large one built after 9/11. Unlike this fiasco, kept as quiet as possible during construction.

“For all the drama surrounding the events of Friday night, Trump’s physical safety was secured in a comparatively unexciting way: in a secure room under the East Wing of the White House. Assuming it exists, the five-story, self-contained facility closer to the Oval Office remains unoccupied, as it probably has since it was built.

As far as we know.” Probably not enough gold gilding. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/06/01/what-we-know-about-white-houses-secret-bunkers-tunnels/

And reporting on underground construction during Obama’s presidency.

“… when Barack Obama was president, the White House undertook a major, multi-year renovation project that involved digging a massive hole beneath the Oval Office, exposing what appeared to be a tunnel underneath. The General Services Administration (GSA) denied it was bunker-related, calling it a standard revamp of the air-conditioning and electrical systems.” — No one believed the cover story.

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/npr/2026/04/03/nx-s1-5772665/trumps-ballroom-fight-sheds-new-light-on-an-underground-white-house-bunker/

Kim Hansen's avatar

I am told that the Secret Service usually tries to get the President to one of two secure locations in Virginia, away from the White House, because it is such an obvious target.

Knowing Trump, in an emergency the generals, admirals, and Cabinet would be in the bunker while Traitor Trump and his personal traveling Kinko’s go via Zoom to the meeting from a remote location.

The burning question: will they get there in a furtive U-Haul, or concealed in a hay wagon?

Ann Sharon's avatar

I’ve read that. Traveling has its own risks. There are a number of secure (to varying degree) sites across the country. For the heck of it I looked at Wikipedia. It says 9 to 75 secure bunkers. I think VA, PA and Co are the cream of the crop. Some really old ones were decommissioned & bought by doomsday preppers.

Drastic situations don’t always happen when the prez is in DC. I remember GW reading to children in FL during 9/11. There actually is an old bunker / shelter thing under the main building at Mar a Lago built by Ms. Post who owned. Another supposedly used in a previous life to store bombs under the 2nd hole at the West Palm Beach the golf course.

Cheyenne Mountain Complex (located near Colorado Springs) is a serious contender. A couple thousand feet under the mountain; built to withstand nuclear attacks & electromagnetic pulses. It’s an alternate command center for NORAD and USNORTHCOM. No history of half-assed security like at Mar a Lago.

Laura Smith's avatar

Joe Watters: Many good ideas here. Mentioning the end of our era, we need the best people, wise, intelligent, forward-thinking, to steer us on. Thank you for your perspective.

Bridget Collins's avatar

They moved quickly because when the idiot pulled down the East Wing, he probably compromised the integrity of the bunkers beneath it.

My guess is they have no place to stash him at this moment from any kind of threat.

I understand what you're saying but the Epstein dance hall is going to be bigger than the West Wing and will ruin the whole look of the White House.

I'm also going to point out that giving every lunatic the exact location of the president's "super duper secret bunker" seems criminally idiotic to me in a world of drones

Pull it down. Restore the East Wing and the Rose Garden. Make Trump, his family and his big donors pay for it.

Put the bunker somewhere else.

Kim Hansen's avatar

It’s my understanding that the Secret Service have had two fully-equipped bunkers a short distance from the White House, for some time, with the understanding that the White House would be a primary target.

Pamela S.'s avatar

Yes. It will be expensive, but the evidence of this madman must be recorded, then erased. We should not have to live with reminders of the utter ugliness of the felon’s entire being. It is common to clean up filth, stains, and debris in our lives.

Devin Comiskey's avatar

It won't be expensive. Trump and his family will be responsible for every penny. Any Dem who wants to use taxpayer dollars to undo this mess should be tossed into space.

Sharon Short's avatar

Yes. Tear it down, rebuild the east wing, restore the rose garden…fix all of it!

JBR's avatar

Tear down the occupants first.

Jeffery Kulp's avatar

We must needs limit the terms for Supreme Court Justices! In addition, a definite expansion of the number on the Supreme Court is urgently needed!

Patty Mooney's avatar

And reverse so-called "Citizens United."

RepackagedMeatAwareness's avatar

We could have done so years ago but OH MY HOW UNCOUTH we heard

Patricia is Disgusted's avatar

THIS!! Thank you for bringing up one of the most important issues.

susan moss's avatar

It is about the Bunker, not the Ballroom. He intends to be irremovable. .

Jude Johnson's avatar

Ask Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam, and Hitler how that camping in the bunker thing worked out for them.

Sharon Bouchard's avatar

Like malignant narcissists through time, he can't deal with facing his own death. For anyone who's taken care of an elder with dementia, it's pretty easy to see he won't make it to 2028. He'll be doing well to make it to the end of the year at the rate he's declining.

RepackagedMeatAwareness's avatar

I hear that every year and yet …

Sharon Bouchard's avatar

Well, much of that was wishful thinking unencumbered by any serious daily contact with those with dementia. Trump will be studied for a long time in medical circles. It isn't that often you get a full blown malignant narcisist in a public position that clearly has FTD.

Laurel Rutz's avatar

It certainly looks like Felon47 is creating an iron-clad bunker, Susan. I had two thoughts about this 600 million dollar hide-out: Would he include a restaurant-sized McDonalds in that basement? Could fumigation possibly be used to force him out, in a similar way to other repulsive pests?

RepackagedMeatAwareness's avatar

There is a pipe for safeguard am i right?

Donalea Loewen's avatar

That's what I've been saying, too! I believe he's building this so no one can reach him after he's voted out.

Cam Choiniere's avatar

Just let him set up shop in his bunker—the fill in the entrance to the bunker with concrete.

Cathy Learoyd (Texas)'s avatar

Who presides over the Impeachment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court? Sounds like it is time to get rid of the head of the Roberts Court.

Ann Sharon's avatar

After impeachment by the House:

— Unlike presidential impeachments, where the chief justice presides, the vice president or president pro tempore of the Senate presides over judicial impeachments. Article III guarantees federal judges life tenure “during good behavior.” — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/law/impeachment-judges-and-supreme-courts-role

The League of Women Voters says something a little different:

— If this is a trial for the President, ... For all other impeachment hearings involving civil officers, the hearing is conducted by a Committee Chair or the President of the Senate. https://www.lwv.org/educating-voters/how-does-impeachment-work

Sounds like either way the Senate has some leeway to decide who presides.

Cathy Learoyd (Texas)'s avatar

Thank you, Ann. That's good to know.

Ann Sharon's avatar

I think we have 2 Justices that could be removed for corruption given their history of receiving & failure to report lavish gifts. Alito & Thomas, especially Thomas. They also blatantly shed any appearance of not being biased like at speaking events etc.

Then there is Roberts. Removing judges for their decisions could start a disastrous domino result. But he has a couple other problems. He has never recused himself from a case despite his wife’s job which seems odd. He’s also served as a barrier to Congressional oversight & more than minimal reform.

(The whistleblower ultimately lost his case. Roberts had sought an advisory opinion in 2009. Advisor = not binding. Plus, the appearance of influence remains & impeachments have more latitude.) https://www.denvergazette.com/2023/01/31/supreme-court-chief-justice-john-robertss-wife-could-face-ethics-inquiry-ba21cb00-f51d-50db-9406-e8c818c98fbd/

SCOTUS has issued a series of what I would call pro-corruption decisions that look a bit like self-dealing / immunizing. Maybe the most obvious was a 6-3 decision, Snyder v United States, 2024 written by Kavanaugh. It seems to protect everyone from federal bribery charges if the rewards are paid after delivering & without a provable prearranged agreement. (I’m sure Jared loves it.)

“The question in this case is whether §666 also makes it a crime for state and local officials to accept gratuities—for example, gift cards, lunches, plaques, books, framed photos, or the like—that may be given as a token of appreciation after the official act. The answer is no.” Gorsuch joined in written concurrence. (Unmentioned, the amount in question was $10,000) https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/23-108

But I’m not sure that decision applies outside the courtroom like during an impeachment hearing.

Robert MacKay's avatar

I don’t understand how Roberts can think the founders wanted the President to have more power. It was the President they feared. They were not worried about odd ball congressmen. ( no women at that time). After all they had Patrick Henry and others a bit extreme. I just reread the constitution, since I am neither a lawyer or scholar, but I don’t see anything in there that shows a worry that Presidents can’t get the job done with a strong Congress doing its job. All the worry is about a new King. But I guess lawyers see what they want to see.

Lucius's avatar

Conservatives don't care about the constitution or what the founder may have wanted. That's all just an excuse they use. They care about getting power over people and then abusing that power for fun and profit.

Chris Rey's avatar

1. Is the Chief Justice being protected by the redactions in the Epstein Files?

2. Yes. The ballroom should be torn down at the earliest opportunity.

Chris Rey's avatar

3. The current administration is a corrupt and blatant Idiocracy, cf: the Secretary of The Department of Health.

barbarahj's avatar

Yes. Absolutely yes. And the East Wing must be rebuilt as it was .

Tom Schroder's avatar

I agree with the emotion everyone expresses - this is an awful thing and it's wrong for all the reasons Steven and each of you cite. But I slow down at tearing it down. It feels like it would be a waste of tax dollars. Can we transform it into something for all the people? Or even just office space? I know these things would be hard - but what about a public art space? Or rotating exhibitions that highlight the best of our country and people? All that said, I would not cry any tears if it did come down.

Pamela S.'s avatar

As fast as trump is slapping the thing up, I wonder at the degree of quality of materials and workmanship that are going into it. It might not be worth keeping, who knows. Nothing he tries to create lasts. One harebrained idea after another, it all dies quickly.

Tom Schroder's avatar

Well, that’s a good point. Maybe it will just rot and fall down on its own - a fitting metaphor to all that is Trump.

Pat Eisenberg's avatar

I think everything he has built or uglified needs to be torn down or restored. And it looks like the ballroom is just a cover for the bunker in which he plans to hide out when his term ends, guarded by all the criminals he pardoned. I hope I am wrong about this.

RockyP's avatar

He won't last a week in any "bunker" he creates. I see him escaping to Russia on his Qatar-gifted Bribe Force One more than staying in country to face trial after trial.

Donalea Loewen's avatar

Wish I could take a look at John Roberts bank accounts right about now. Or his overseas accounts. Just sayin'...🤷‍♀️

Patty Mooney's avatar

All that gold crap in the Oval Office gets deep-sixed

Sharon Bouchard's avatar

At this point I'd be fine tearing down what's left of the White House, having an exorcism, burn some sage, and start again.

Judy Levine's avatar

Love the exorcism and sage necessity!!!!