Reagan's Daughter Slams "Heartbreaking" $300 Million White House East Wing Demolition

Patti Davis, daughter of former President Ronald Reagan, has publicly condemned President Donald Trump's decision to demolish the White House's East Wing to make way for a new ballroom, calling the act "heartbreaking." Davis, 73, articulated her strong disapproval in a recent opinion essay published in the New York Times, where she lamented the destruction of a historic section of the presidential residence. The move, which is projected to cost $300 million, has ignited debate over the preservation of national landmarks and the current administration's priorities.

"The images we’ve now all seen of the East Wing being demolished are heartbreaking," Davis wrote. "Over the centuries, many presidents have altered the White House, and certainly older buildings need to be updated and repaired. But this is complete destruction." She emphasized the historical significance of the East Wing, noting it was "where Eleanor Roosevelt walked" and "where Jacqueline Kennedy planned the Rose Garden."

The extensive building work is intended to create a 90,000-square-foot event space, nearly double the size of the executive building. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended the renovations, stating, "President Trump is working 24/7 to Make America Great Again, including his historic beautification of the White House, at no taxpayer expense." Ingle added that these "long-needed upgrades will benefit generations of future presidents and American visitors to the People’s House."

Funding for the project reportedly comes from private donors, including major corporations like Apple and Amazon, and individuals such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This funding structure has raised concerns among critics, who suggest it could lead to a "cash-for-access scheme" or a way for donors to curry favor with the president. The demolition and subsequent construction have been carried out without the typical congressional or federal committee approvals, sparking further controversy.

The criticism from a member of the Reagan family, often considered a pillar of modern Republicanism, highlights a growing ideological divide within the party. This sentiment was echoed in a tweet by Brian Allen, who observed, "When the Reagan family, the GOP’s sacred brand, starts calling out Trump by name, it’s not a feud. It’s a fracture in the Republican soul." This incident follows previous criticisms from Patti Davis and her brother Ron Reagan Jr., who have both voiced concerns about Trump's impact on American institutions and global standing.