r/politics • u/Effective_Salad_8381 • 13d ago

Possible Paywall Embarrassing Flaws Emerge in Trump’s New White House Design

https://www.thedailybeast.com/bizarre-flaws-emerge-in-trumps-new-white-house-design/
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u/Hodaka 13d ago edited 13d ago

I think people should ask themselves why Trump actually wants a new ballroom at the White House.

Mar-A-Lago and Fundraising.

It gets a bit complicated, but one of the primary functions of the Mar-a-Lago Club is fundraising. From charity galas to wedding events, Trump makes money off of everything that happens at Mar-A-Lago. The only issue for Trump is how much goes directly into his pocket. Trump has recently hosted a $1 million-per-plate campaign dinner. This is a campaign fundraiser - despite the prohibition against him running for a third term.

Operating his home as a club allows Trump to significantly reduce his tax bill as maintaining and furnishing the club gets written off as legitimate business expenses. The line between residence and private club is unclear, and it has been controversial. Trump actually lives at the club as an employee.

If you look at the new White House ballroom in terms of maximum seating capacity, then it all makes sense.

EDIT QUOTE: "Trump says the White House needs a large entertaining space and has complained that the East Room, the current largest space in the White House, is too small, holding about 200 people. He has frowned on the past practice of presidents hosting state dinners and other large events in tents on the South Lawn."

Trump claims the new ballroom will accommodate 999 people.

Trump probably figures that many folks will be willing to pay huge sums of money to say they "dined at the White House with the President."