Separately, the East Wing was demolished last October to begin a new White House ballroom. A federal judge temporarily paused that project on March 31. Congress allocated $2.5 million for repairs, while estimates for the ballroom have reached roughly $400 million; the president says wealthy donors and his own funds are covering costs.
Critics worry the arch could obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery. Polling in the story showed 52% of Americans oppose the plan. Trump, 79, has also overseen renovations like the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool and forcefully defended such projects when questioned by reporters.