US President Donald Trump is implementing a large-scale program to rebuild the White House and a number of iconic sites in Washington, which includes the construction of a new ballroom, renovation of the presidential residence grounds, and the erection of a 76-meter Arch of Independence. Reuters reports, writes UNN.
Details
According to the agency, one of the largest projects will be the White House ballroom with an area of over 8,300 square meters, designed for 1,000 guests. Its cost was initially estimated at approximately $400 million, but later the administration asked Congress for an additional $1 billion to enhance the facility's security. Despite the lack of additional funding, construction continues.
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Trump also renovated the Oval Office, adding gold decorative elements, new presidential portraits, and a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Near the White House, he replaced the Rose Garden lawn with stone paving, installed new statues and large flagpoles.
Some projects have already drawn criticism
Among the president's other plans are the construction of a 76-meter Arch of Independence, the creation of a National Garden of American Heroes, and a large-scale renovation of the public East Potomac Golf Links. Additionally, repairs are ongoing on the historic reflecting pool near the Lincoln Memorial, the cost of which has exceeded $16 million.
Reuters notes that some initiatives have already drawn criticism from the public, historians, and environmental organizations. In particular, lawsuits have been filed regarding the renovation of the Kennedy Center, the Garden of American Heroes, and the golf course, while Trump's opponents accuse him of interfering with the historic appearance of the capital and the irrational use of funds.