Global
In striking statements, former U.S. President Donald Trump described his official residence, the White House, as a "dump" and in a deplorable state, unveiling a renovation project to save the historic building from collapse. Via "Truth Social," Trump stated the White House suffered from prior presidents' neglect, leading to its poor condition inside and out, prompting him to call it a "dump." He noted spending his free time overseeing renovations, praising the Interior Department and contractors. Trump shared photos illustrating the difference between previous and new conditions, remarking the building's exterior was crumbling. He asserted its current state surpasses its condition when built in 1792, deeming saving this great edifice an honor; without renovation, it would have been destroyed. In a related context, the Washington Post recently revealed Trump plans to spend at least $900 million on White House construction and development. This sum contradicts his promises; he affirmed his project wouldn't cost the public treasury, claiming full funding from sponsors like Amazon, Apple, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Caterpillar. However, internal documents show $307 million of the total directly from the federal treasury. The White House, official residence envisioned by President George Washington, began construction in 1792, designed by James Hoban, after Washington chose its site. Completed November 1, 1800, the second President John Adams moved in the same day.
