Eric Swalwell urges 2028 Democrats to pledge a 'wrecking ball' for Trump’s ballroom if elected

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Eric Swalwell said on Sunday, October 26, that any Democrat seeking the party’s 2028 presidential nomination must pledge to destroy the new White House ballroom built under President Donald Trump’s direction.

“Don’t even think of seeking the Democratic nomination for president unless you pledge to take a wrecking ball to the Trump Ballroom on DAY ONE,” California Democrat Swalwell wrote on X, seemingly mocking the president’s multimillion-dollar project.

In another post, he said, “Or, as @RubenGallego proposes, rename it the Barack Obama Ballroom. But a Trump monument to corruption will not stand.”

Trump's White House ballroom incoming

For the first time in its history, the White House will feature a formal ballroom. It's a reported 90,000-square-foot addition being built where the East Wing once stood. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced in July that the ballroom would host major state events and formal receptions for up to 650 seated guests.

Leavitt said the ballroom would maintain the building’s classical architectural harmony while solving a longstanding logistical issue. 

“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building's entrance,” she said.

So, the new ballroom is a "much-needed and exquisite addition."

Construction began earlier this month and is expected to cost $250 million, though Trump later acknowledged that the total had risen to $300 million. The funding reportedly comes from Trump himself and private donors.

Trump, who returned to office in 2025, has often spoken about his desire to leave a grander legacy at the White House.

But the new construction and the partial demolition that preceded it have sparked controversy over costs, aesthetics, and symbolism.

Trump defends partial demolition of the East Wing

Speaking at a White House event this month, Trump defended his decision to reportedly partially demolish the East Wing to make space for the ballroom. 

“In order to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure,” he said.

The president added that the second story, which was an office for the first lady, was "not particularly nice" as well.

Displaying an image of the construction site, Trump emphasized that the main White House structure was untouched.

“It looked like we were touching the White House. We don’t touch the White House,” he said. 

The president added that the new ballroom will be connected by a beautiful and elegant "glass bridge."

A legacy in gold and controversy

The ballroom is only the latest in a string of Trump-ordered updates to the presidential residence.

Since returning to power, he has reportedly added gold accents to the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, installed a pair of 88-foot flagpoles on the South Lawn, and introduced a 'Walk of Fame' with portraits of former presidents.

Trump has also commissioned a marble monument dubbed the 'Arc de Trump' and replaced Rose Garden grass with stone pavers, reportedly saying that it would look better on camera.

Critics, however, view the ballroom as the centerpiece of an increasingly personalized presidential aesthetic.

Many Democrats and public figures have come forward criticizing the project after the demolition began.

Meanwhile, the White House is going ahead with its plan and has labeled the criticism as fake outrage.