Anderson Cooper 360 Trump Defends East Wing Demolition
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Oct 23, 2025 
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator and author of 'Fight Oligarchy,' shares his insights on wealth inequality and the impact of political power. In a lively discussion, he critiques the demolition of the White House East Wing, linking it to the broader influence of billionaires. Sanders argues that this project symbolizes the disconnect between the elite and everyday Americans. He also proposes reforms to address these disparities, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in political decisions.
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East Wing Demolition Reveals Massive Ballroom Plan
- The White House East Wing is being completely demolished to make way for a massive new ballroom that will dwarf the main residence.
- Donald Trump publicly defended the teardown, saying architects recommended knocking it down and calling it a project 150 years in the making.
Historic Review Processes Bypassed
- Legal and preservation groups urged pausing demolition pending required public review by commissions, but demolition proceeded anyway.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation said the project skipped customary public consultation and review processes.
Monitor Funding Claims Carefully
- Track donor and financing disclosures closely since the White House says private donations will fund the ballroom.
- Expect limited public visibility because nonprofit donors need not be disclosed and the White House offered no binding transparency.