"The construction, which began on Monday, is the first major structural change to the complex since 1948. It involves tearing down the existing East Wing, which had housed the first lady's offices and was used for ceremonies. The work is being funded via private donations from individuals, corporations and tech companies, including Google and Amazon, raising uncomfortable questions about the level of access this might give donors to the most powerful man in the country."
"The estimated cost of building Trump's ornate, 8,360sq-metre (90,0000sq-ft) ballroom, which he says will accommodate 999 people, has varied since plans were announced earlier this year. In a statement made in August, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated the cost would be about $200m. However, this week, Trump raised that to $300m. Construction began during a US government shutdown and, therefore, without the approval of the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency responsible for overseeing these operations, which is closed."
Construction has begun on a $300 million ballroom on the site of the demolished White House East Wing, representing the first major structural change since 1948. The project requires tearing down the existing East Wing, which previously housed the first lady's offices and hosted ceremonies. Funding comes from private donations by individuals, corporations and tech companies, including Google and Amazon, and a donor pledge form suggests potential recognition for contributors. Cost estimates have varied, rising from an earlier $200m estimate to $300m, and construction started during a federal shutdown without approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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