Michelle Obama’s remarks came during an interview with NBC’s Jenna Bush Hager, where the former first lady highlighted the challenges of serving as first lady amidst the political scrutiny. “There’s no guidebook,” she said, acknowledging the difficulties of the role. “There’s barely a staff. Now we don’t have a building,” she added, referencing the ongoing controversy over the East Wing demolition.
Former first lady Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea had also publicly criticized the construction, with Chelsea Clinton accusing Trump of disregarding the historical significance of the White House. The Trump administration, however, defended the project as a bold and necessary addition, stating that previous presidents had made similar modifications to the White House, such as Theodore Roosevelt’s West Wing and Barack Obama’s basketball court.
The demolition has sparked widespread outrage and debate, with many arguing that the East Wing is an integral part of the White House’s historical and architectural legacy. Critics, including former residents and media outlets, have questioned the decision to prioritize a private, luxury ballroom over the preservation of a key historical space. Meanwhile, supporters of the project contend that it is a legitimate and necessary upgrade to the presidential residence.