Donald Trump's White House ballroom project is estimated to cost up to $600 million, with over half funded by taxpayers, according to The Washington Post. Trump had previously claimed the project would be privately funded and cost less.
A controversial UFC event planned for the White House lawn, dubbed 'UFC Freedom 250,' is facing legal challenges and criticism for its alleged misuse of federal property and resources for private gain and political fundraising. Lawsuits argue the event is a 'kleptocratic spectacle' and not a genuine celebration of American independence.
The Trump administration's Justice Department is using Saturday's shooting at the Washington Hilton to pressure the National Trust for Historic Preservation to drop its lawsuit against a planned $400 million ballroom on the site of the former East Wing of the White House. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche posted a letter Sunday giving the preservationist group until 9am Monday to dismiss its lawsuit, warning that the government would ask a court to do so in light of the shooting, calling the Washington Hilton demonstrably unsafe for presidential events.
Trump's Justice Department is using Saturday's shooting at the Washington Hilton to pressure the National Trust for Historic Preservation to drop its lawsuit challenging a $400 million ballroom on the site of the former East Wing. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche posted a letter giving the preservation group until 9am Monday to dismiss its lawsuit, warning that the Washington Hilton is 'demonstrably unsafe' for presidential events. The letter claims the new ballroom 'will ensure the safety and security of the President for decades to come and prevent future assassination attempts'. The preservation group sued in December after the White House demolished the East Wing.
