White House says East Wing demolition was necessary due to structural issues
The White House said Thursday that it was not feasible to save the East Wing due to severe structural problems, as officials defended its demolition while unveiling details of President...
By Fox News · Fox News
The White House said Thursday that it was not feasible to save the East Wing due to severe structural problems, as officials defended its demolition while unveiling details of President Donald Trump’s planned $400 million ballroom. Josh Fisher, the director of the White House Office of Administration, cited an unstable colonnade, water leakage and mold contamination, saying it was more economical to tear down the historic East Wing rather than renovate it. "Because of this and other factors, the cost analysis proved that demolition and reconstruction provided the lowest total cost ownership and most effective long-term strategy," Fisher said during a meeting with the National Capital Planning Commission, which is charged with approving the project. The commission's chairman, Will Scharf, who is also a White House official, told reporters he believes the project will ultimately be approved. WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO REPORTS TRUMP NAMED NEW BALLROOM AFTER HIMSELF Scharf argued during the meeting that the White House needed a large, elegant space for major functions. He said that when the president hosts distinguished guests like King Charles III of Great Britain, "more likely than not, he will be hosted in a tent on the South Lawn with porta-potties." In December, the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to halt construction of the ballroom, accusing the Trump administration of skipping mandatory reviews and failing to seek congressional approval before demolishing the East Wing. Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the Trust, said that Thursday's presentation by the White House was a "good and necessary first step," while urging the administration to comply with all legally required review and approval processes before commencing construction. BILL MAHER SAYS HE DOESN'T 'GIVE A S---' ABOUT TRUMP'S WHITE HOUSE REMODEL, SLAMS PRESS COVERAGE A more formal review of the project, including public testimony and votes, is expected after the White House submits a more…