ABC News Daily Trump’s 'gaudy' golden White House
Sep 4, 2025
Mona Charen, a policy editor at The Bulwark and former White House staffer, dives into Donald Trump's extravagant renovations at the White House. She discusses how Trump’s real estate background influences his opulent vision for the Oval Office and the Rose Garden. Charen highlights the lack of oversight during these modifications and the broader implications for democracy. The podcast also explores mixed public reactions to Trump's lavish style and the potential legacy of his changes for future administrations.
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White House As Personal Development Project
- Donald Trump is transforming the White House with large, visible renovations that reflect his developer instincts.
- Mona Charen sees these changes as symbolic of broader shifts in presidential norms and aesthetics.
President On The Roof Planning A Ballroom
- Mona Charen recounts Trump on the roof planning a vast redesign including a new ballroom.
- She describes the proposed ballroom as enormous, tall and in her words, 'gaudy and tasteless.'
Renovations Clash With Historic Design
- Charen argues the proposed ballroom would dwarf and destroy the graceful lines of the White House complex.
- She calls the decoration choices grotesque and says the excess gold 'gilds the lily.'