Hillary Clinton slammed over 2001 furniture scandal after mocking Trump’s White House ballroom

Conservatives reminded Hillary Clinton of her and husband Bill's furniture scandal in 2001
PUBLISHED OCT 23, 2025
Hillary Clinton drew ridicule online after criticizing Donald Trump’s 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom project (John Nacion/WireImage)
Hillary Clinton drew ridicule online after criticizing Donald Trump’s 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom project (John Nacion/WireImage)

WASHINGTON, DC: Former first lady Hillary Clinton found herself at the center of a social media storm after attempting to slam President Donald Trump over his newly announced 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom project only to be mocked for her own 2001 furniture scandal.

Clinton’s Tuesday post criticizing Trump’s privately funded renovation effort backfired spectacularly, as conservatives and Republican leaders were quick to remind her of the controversy surrounding the furniture she and former President Bill Clinton took from the White House more than two decades ago.



Conservatives remind Hillary Clinton of the 2001 furniture scandal

“At least he didn’t steal the silverware,” Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) posted on X, mocking Clinton for her renewed criticism of Trump.



The remark quickly gained traction as users resurfaced the 2001 White House furnishings controversy, when the Clintons took an estimated $28,000 in furniture and gifts donated to the White House. The couple also paid $86,000 to the federal government for additional gifts they had received.

In a statement at the time, the Clintons defended themselves, saying: “Gifts did not leave the White House without the approval of the usher’s and curator’s offices.”

Hillary Clinton later added, “All of these items were considered gifts to us. That’s what the permanent record of the White House showed. But if there is a different intent, we will certainly honor the intention of the donor.”

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 03: Hillary Clinton takes part in the event: ‘Empowering Communities: Women at the heart of climate resilience’ on day four of the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference at Expo City Dubai on December 03, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The COP28, which is running from November 30 through December 12, is bringing together stakeholders, including international heads of state and other leaders, scientists, environmentalists, indigenous peoples representatives, activists and others to discuss and agree on the implementation of global measures towards mitigating the effects of climate change. (Photo by Mark Case/Getty Images)
 Hillary Clinton takes part in the event: ‘Empowering Communities: Women at the heart of climate resilience’ on day four of the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference at Expo City Dubai on December 03, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Getty Images)

Despite their assurances, the controversy lingered for years and became an enduring talking point among Republican critics.

Trump’s new White House ballroom sparks online debate

Trump’s announcement of the massive ballroom came Monday, marking one of the most significant private renovation projects at the White House in decades. According to the administration, the project is fully funded through private donations, with no cost to taxpayers.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 20: Workers demolish the facade of the East Wing of the White House on October 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to build a ballroom reportedly costing $250 million on the eastern side of the White House. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Workers demolish the facade of the East Wing of the White House on October 20, 2025 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized … and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete!”

President Donald Trump looks on before he delivers remarks during an Easter Prayer Service and Dinner in the Blue Room of the White House on April 16, 2025, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump looks on before he delivers remarks during an Easter Prayer Service and Dinner in the Blue Room of the White House on April 16, 2025, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

The 90,000-square-foot ballroom is expected to hold up to 650 seated guests and serve as a new venue for official state functions.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital, “President Trump is working 24/7 to Make America Great Again, including his historic beautification of the White House, at no taxpayer expense. These long-needed upgrades will benefit generations of future presidents and visitors to the People’s House.”

Hillary Clinton’s post reignites old scandals and partisan feuds

Clinton’s criticism of Trump’s construction project drew swift backlash from conservatives who accused her of hypocrisy. Some referenced the 2001 furniture flap, while others dredged up memories of her husband’s Lincoln Bedroom donor scandal.

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 21: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks at an event celebrating the Community Development Financial Institutions FUND (CDFI) at the U.S. Treasury Department on November 21, 2024 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Treasury Department held the event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of CDFI. The CDFI was established during Clinton’s presidency to initiate assistance for financial institutions that supported underserved customers and communities. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Former US President Bill Clinton speaks at an event celebrating the Community Development Financial Institutions FUND (CDFI) at the US Treasury Department on November 21, 2024 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

During Bill Clinton’s presidency, he was accused of offering overnight stays in the Lincoln Bedroom to wealthy campaign donors, allegations he denied.

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