Do Americans approve of Trump's White House renovations? What a new poll found
The new event space will span 90,000 square feet — about the size of 1.5 football fields — and it will be situated near the East Wing, the White House announced on July 31.
The 'much-needed' addition will allow the president to host major functions with foreign dignitaries, which currently require the use of an 'unsightly tent,' according to the White House's announcement.
The project, which will break ground in September, will cost around $200 million — a hefty sum that Trump and other donors will pay for, the White House said.
The announcement comes in the wake of a series of changes Trump has made at the executive mansion, including paving over the Rose Garden and installing towering flagpoles on the lawn.
Here is what Americans make of the president's additions:
A recent YouGov survey asked 6,822 U.S. adults what they think of Trump's 'plans to renovate and build additions to the White House, including a new ballroom and a patio in the Rose Garden.'
A plurality of respondents, 47%, said they strongly disapproved (37%) or somewhat disapproved (10%).
Meanwhile, about one-third said they strongly approve (14%) or somewhat approve (17%). An additional 21% said they were not sure.
On this question, a noticeable partisan divide emerged, with 62% of Republicans expressing support for the changes and 74% of Democrats telegraphing their opposition.
A similar divide played out online, with social media users offering a wide range of reactions.
Some applauded the decision to construct a new ballroom, highlighting that it will come at no expense to taxpayers.
'Stunning and elegant!' one X user wrote in response to digital mock-ups released by the White House. 'What a beautiful gift to our country!'
Others voiced outrage, criticizing the announcement as tone deaf.
'Young Americans can't afford homes but our rulers are spending hundreds of millions on new ballrooms,' one X user wrote. 'Let them eat cake!''
The poll — conducted on Aug. 7 with a margin of error of 1.6 percentage points — also asked respondents who they believed would pay for the projects.
Many were doubtful that private donors would foot the bill, as the White House has said.
A plurality, 45%, said they thought the renovations would be paid for with taxpayer funds.
Sixteen percent said they believed private donations would be used, and 23% said 'a mix of both.' An additional 16% said they were not sure.
Here, again, there was a major partisan divide. A majority of Democrats, 60%, said they believed the renovations would be financed with taxpayer money, while just 25% of Republicans said the same.
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