Bill Maher, the host of ‘Real Time,’ has voiced concerns over President Donald Trump’s plan to construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom within the White House, arguing that the project symbolizes Trump’s intent to remain in power. During a recent segment, Maher emphasized that the decision to build the multi-million-dollar ballroom is a clear indication that Trump is not considering leaving the White House. He stated, ‘The symbolism is he’s not leaving,’ pointing out that the renovations to the White House, including the demolition of the East Wing, are more than just physical changes—they represent a deeper ideological shift in how the presidency is conducted.
The demolition of the East Wing has drawn significant criticism from Democrats, liberal media figures, and former RNC chairman Michael Steele, who view the project as a disregard for the historical and symbolic importance of the White House. Steele, who grew up in Washington, D.C., described the building as ‘my childhood,’ reflecting on how it has shaped his understanding of American democracy and pluralism. He argued that the destruction of the East Wing is not merely about a building, but about the erosion of the symbolic meaning of the White House as a place of national importance and civic engagement.
While Maher agreed with Steele in some respects, he maintained that the White House is ‘just a building’ and dismissed the emotional weight that others place on its historical significance. He pointed to past renovations by previous presidents, such as Nixon’s addition of a bowling alley and Obama’s conversion of the tennis court into a basketball court, as evidence that changes to the White House are not uncommon. However, he admitted that Trump’s actions, particularly the $300 million ballroom project, are unusual in their scale and symbolism. Maher also expressed concern over Trump’s ‘drunkenness with power,’ suggesting that the president is resistant to stepping down from the White House, which he views as a symbol of his continued influence and control over the country.
Former Biden White House communications director Kate Bedingfield joined the discussion, warning that Trump’s renovations are part of a broader pattern of behavior that affects the institutional foundations of the United States. She argued that Trump’s actions are not just about physical changes to the White House, but about a shift in the way the government functions. Bedingfield emphasized that while presidents have always made changes to the building, the current administration’s approach is distinct and could have long-term consequences for American political institutions. Maher acknowledged the potential for Trump’s actions to have a broader impact on the country, stating that the project is ‘part of a manner of governing that is tearing at some of the foundations, the institutional foundations in this country,’ which is ‘scary’ for the future of American democracy.
The controversy over Trump’s renovations has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for greater accountability in how the White House is managed. While Maher and Steele acknowledged that Trump has the right to make changes to the building, the debate highlights the deepening divide over the symbolism and significance of the White House in American political life. As the project continues, the discussion over its implications will likely persist, reflecting both the political tensions and the evolving landscape of presidential power in the United States.