President Trump is building a new ballroom at the White House, and predictably, everyone has lost their minds. Some people see it as a practical addition for official events. Others see it as an extravagant monument to Trump's ego being permanently installed in the people's house. Today, we're talking about why a ballroom has become yet another flashpoint in American politics, and whether maybe we're all just exhausted and looking for things to be angry about.

I (Jolene) get why people are upset about this, but honestly, the ballroom doesn't bother me. Here's why: it's being funded by private donations, not taxpayer money. Every president leaves their mark on the White House - renovations, updates, changes that reflect their time in office. Trump sees this ballroom as his legacy project, and since he's not using public funds, I don't see the problem. Having a dedicated space for official events instead of constantly setting up temporary solutions is actually practical.

Nicole's reaction wasn’t too dissimilar as far as understanding the need for a larger space for events, but from a Liberal’s perspective, the ballroom feels like Trump literally building a monument to himself in the White House. It's not just about the money; it's about what it represents. At a time when Americans are struggling financially, when budgets are tight and people are worried about making ends meet, building an opulent ballroom feels tone-deaf and dismissive.

The ballroom will get built and Trump will leave office eventually. But the way we treat each other, the way we engage with people who disagree with us, the way we choose dialogue over dismissal - that's what will determine whether we can actually function as a country.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

White House Information: White House Official History: https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-white-house/

News and Analysis: Jessica Yellin (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQK8_hUEluJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link The Hill - 5

Takeaways from East Wing Construction: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5570860-trump-white-house-ballroom-east-wing-takeaways/

The Hill - White House Releases Donor List: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5569197-major-companies-fund-whitehouse/

Good for the Soul:

Monica Lewinsky's Reclaiming Podcast: https://wondery.com/shows/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky/

Ken Colman (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOOLHvZhzxX/?igsh=MXBiaHA1ZGpjM3MzaA==

LINKS

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