Trump Sparks Controversy by Personally 'Marble Shopping' for $400 Million Banquet Hall Reconstruction While on Vacation

Direct Personal Involvement and Funding in East Wing Banquet Hall Reconstruction
Controversy Over Damage to Historic Building and Bypassing Procedures

As U.S. President Donald Trump recently pushed forward with the controversial reconstruction of the East Wing of the White House, he was spotted personally selecting stones to be used in the new banquet hall while on vacation.

According to Yonhap News Agency, citing a report from CNN on January 2 (local time), President Trump visited a stone import company near his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to examine samples of marble and onyx.

Before heading to the golf course that day, President Trump reportedly stopped by "Arc Stone and Tile," a company specializing in Italian marble, to review materials for decorating the banquet hall.

A White House official stated that President Trump plans to purchase these stones with his personal funds. This has led to interpretations that the construction of the banquet hall is not just a government project, but also an effort by Trump to leave a "personal mark" on the White House.

A bathroom inside the White House remodeled with glossy marble and golden handles by U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Trump has consistently maintained that he will be directly involved in the details of the project. Not only did he select the materials himself, but he also appointed his close aide, Will Sharp, the White House Records Secretary, as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) to expedite procedures. It is reported that some of the initial review stages, which are mandatory before construction begins, were skipped.

The banquet hall in question is planned to cover a total floor area of 8,361 square meters, with a budget of $400 million-nearly double the amount initially announced. Last month, President Trump stated, "I will donate a $400 million banquet hall," adding, "It could be built for less, but for now, that's the figure."

Since his re-inauguration, President Trump has been making changes throughout the White House. He paved the Rose Garden, renovated the Palm Room, and redecorated the Oval Office to suit his tastes. His preference for white marble and gold accents is reflected in both the renovations at Mar-a-Lago and the overall remodeling of the White House.

However, the construction of the East Wing banquet hall is the largest and most controversial White House renovation project to date. When the East Wing was abruptly demolished last October, there was backlash over the destruction of a historic building and the disregard for proper procedures, and a series of lawsuits were filed to prevent attempts to bypass government planning committees.

Nevertheless, President Trump is pressing ahead at a rapid pace. He aims to complete the approval process early, begin construction as soon as this spring, and finish the project by mid-2028, just before the end of his term. To this end, the Trump administration plans to hold a public briefing at the NCPC on January 8, followed by a meeting with the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA).