- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hit back at a New York Times (NYT) article that criticized the design of Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom.
- Leavitt dismissed the opinions of experts cited by the NYT, asserting that Trump and his lead architect are building a "beautiful ballroom" at no taxpayer expense.
- The NYT feature raised concerns about the estimated $400 million ballroom's design, noting it would be 60 per cent larger than the Executive Residence and could ruin the site's symmetry.
- Critics highlighted design issues such as a south portico with no functional entrance and columns that would obstruct views and light, with the architect admitting the portico was an "aesthetic decision."
- The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a final vote on Thursday to approve the ballroom, which is intended to be fully funded by private donations.
IN FULL
Karoline Leavitt crashes out after NYT experts shred Trump’s ballroom plans
