The White House East Wing has recently been torn down to begin construction to turn the space into a ballroom. The demolition has stirred widespread controversy and confusion among Americans.
Lawmakers have also voiced opposition, with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee determined to examine the National Historic Preservation Act — A policy that requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their projects on historic properties.
The committee held a hearing on Oct. 29 to discuss the execution of power from the administration. They were able to determine that the act applies to guidelines that the White House does not fall under.
It does not appear that the hearing was called in direct response to the demolition of the White House or the construction of the ongoing ballroom according to the senate committee. However, experts say they expect the topic to come up because Democrats on Capitol Hill had made repeated comments about the demolition being ongoing across the street from them.
Construction of the ballroom is observed to be going on against the backdrop of the ongoing government shutdown which is now the longest in history.
According to an Ipsos poll, a 56 percent majority of Americans are opposed to the Trump administration tearing down the East Wing, while just under 28 percent of Americans are in support of it. Another 16 percent say they are not sure.
By party, polls show that 62 percent of Republicans support the remodel while 88 percent of Democrats oppose it.
Averages based on RealClearPolitics aggregators seem to suggest that none of the numbers indicate a game-changer of politics that will send Trump’s overall approval numbers plummeting.
Howard University professor Brandale MillsCox, who also works as a Diversity Equity and Inclusion consultant and public relations practitioner, shared her thoughts on the implications of demolishing the East Wing — a space historically associated with First Ladies and social programming — to build a ballroom.
“The demolition of the East Wing is a representation of white male dominance in our society.” MillsCox commented. She went on to express her concerns with the administration and their testing of limits of power.
“Yes, Donald Trump is the president of the United States and the Commander-in-Chief, and ultimately, he can do whatever he wants to the White House. Still, this decision is reflective of a complete disregard for history,” MillsCox said.
She added that she disapproves of the current economic conditions within the nation.
The proposed demolition raised concerns about the preservation of historic landmarks. The first, small East Wing was built in 1902 during the Theodore Roosevelt renovations, as an entrance for public and formal visitors.
Its purpose was mainly to serve as an entrance for guests during large social gatherings, when, during the time period, it was necessary to accommodate many cars and carriages.
Many Americans feel that tearing it down disregards the value of maintaining such an iconic structure. One citizen, Roseanne Siegal, who moved to Washington, D.C., from Pennsylvania, was emotional from the outcome.
“This isn’t a real estate deal. This is a living, breathing building. It actually hurts, as a citizen. It’s us. It’s our home. This doesn’t belong to anybody except the blood, the sweat and the tears of every president,” Siegal said.
MillsCox believes this alters the legacy on which the White House was built on.
“Culturally, it’s a huge loss for the American people. I visited the East Wing for the first time last November, and the history, legacy and beauty was evident throughout every inch of the building,” MillsCox said. “To think that President Trump is spending millions of dollars to destroy this historical place, building a shrine to his presidency, is disheartening.”
The White House was built in 1792 and historically serves a symbol of leadership and presidency for many because of its role as the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States.
“It’s quite apparent that President Trump doesn’t care about tradition or inclusivity. His lack of regard for the history and meaning of the East Wing, as well as its historical role in past presidencies, showcases his disregard for anything outside of his narrow, selfish agenda,” MillsCox said.
She went on to comment on the American perception of decisions such as this.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think public perception will change about him or his administration. Those who support him will continue to do so; those who recognize him as a power-hungry authoritarian will continue to survive in the world of craziness he continues to create,” MillsCox said.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas
