President Donald Trump is set to host Senate Republicans for a Rose Garden lunch today as demolition work continues on the White House’s East Wing. The meeting comes amid a partial government shutdown and growing public outcry over the $250 million renovation project. Photos revealing torn-down sections of the East Wing have sparked widespread criticism, raising concerns about the timing and purpose of the construction.
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Trump’s White House Gathering
President Donald Trump will meet Senate Republicans for lunch in the Rose Garden later today, according to GOP sources who confirmed the plan to Roll Call. Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Trump is proceeding with the high-profile meeting to discuss key legislative priorities and political strategies. The event underscores his continued efforts to maintain party unity and control the Republican narrative amid political tension in Washington.
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Demolition Sparks Controversy
The White House East Wing is currently under demolition as part of Trump’s $250 million ballroom construction project. Construction crews began tearing down parts of the historic structure earlier this week, with images published by The Washington Post showing sections of the exterior already removed. The images have fueled widespread backlash on social media, with many accusing the administration of disregarding history and national heritage.
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Critics Call It Desecration
Public reaction to the demolition has been swift and fierce. One former lawmaker described the project as an “utter desecration,” criticizing Trump for prioritizing personal luxury over preservation. Critics argue that such drastic alterations to one of America’s most iconic landmarks should have undergone broader consultation. The controversy has reignited debates over presidential authority and the limits of executive discretion in modifying federal property.
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Ballroom Project Announcement
Trump publicly confirmed the project on his Truth Social platform Monday, writing that “ground has been broken on the White House” for the new ballroom. He framed the construction as part of his broader plan to modernize the presidential residence, describing it as a symbol of progress and renewal. The announcement was met with both support from loyalists and outrage from preservationists who accused Trump of vanity-driven excess.
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Media Exposes Construction Details
The Washington Post first reported the ongoing demolition, citing two eyewitnesses who confirmed construction activity within the White House grounds. The outlet published detailed photographs showing construction equipment, scaffolding, and dismantled portions of the East Wing façade. The New York Post later corroborated the findings with its own images, leaving little doubt about the project’s extent. Despite repeated inquiries, the White House declined to comment on the reports.
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Shutdown Adds to Political Tension
The East Wing renovation comes at a politically fraught time. The U.S. government remains partially shut down due to stalled budget negotiations, affecting thousands of federal workers. Critics accuse Trump of focusing on personal projects instead of addressing the crisis. The timing of the ballroom construction, combined with the ongoing shutdown, has only deepened frustration among lawmakers and the public alike.
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GOP Support Amid Backlash
Despite growing criticism, many Republican senators continue to stand by the president. The planned Rose Garden lunch serves as both a strategy meeting and a public show of unity. For Trump, it represents an opportunity to reaffirm control over the party during turbulent times. GOP insiders suggest that, beyond the optics, the meeting could also address strategies for handling the shutdown and upcoming election challenges.