Politics
Trump calls White House a 'trash dump' as documents reveal $900m renovation
September 14, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 3 hours
Trump has described the White House as a "trash dump" and is pushing a renovation program that documents put at $900 million, with $307 million drawn from federal funds.
- Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the White House, neglected by previous presidents, was a "trash dump" and that his renovation has improved it beyond its original condition.
- Documents revealed by the Washington Post show the renovation will cost at least $900 million, with $307 million drawn from the federal treasury despite Trump's pledge of private-only funding.
- Trump announced last July a $200 million ballroom; the White House's historic East Wing was then demolished without congressional approval.
- The project includes a six-storey military bunker with chemical, biological and radiological protections; the Supreme Court has allowed construction to resume.