- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hit back at a New York Times (NYT) article that criticized the design of Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom.
- Leavitt dismissed the opinions of experts cited by the NYT, asserting that Trump and his lead architect are building a "beautiful ballroom" at no taxpayer expense.
- The NYT feature raised concerns about the estimated $400 million ballroom's design, noting it would be 60 per cent larger than the Executive Residence and could ruin the site's symmetry.
- Critics highlighted design issues such as a south portico with no functional entrance and columns that would obstruct views and light, with the architect admitting the portico was an "aesthetic decision."
- The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a final vote on Thursday to approve the ballroom, which is intended to be fully funded by private donations.
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