Journalism of Courage
Donald Trump Jr has clashed with Chelsea Clinton over her criticism of the White House East Wing’s demolition to make space for a new $300 million ballroom.
Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, took to X to voice her disapproval, saying, “The White House became my home when I was twelve years old. I always understood that it wasn’t my ‘house’; it was The People’s House.”
She argued that President Donald Trump’s decision to tear down the East Wing represented an attack on American heritage and democratic values. “The erasure of the East Wing isn’t just about marble or plaster — it’s about President Trump again taking a wrecking ball to our heritage, while targeting our democracy, and the rule of law,” she wrote.
Trump Jr fired back by referencing past controversies involving the Clinton family. “Lol, your parents tried stealing furniture and silverware from the White House,” he posted, referring to 2001 reports that the Clintons had taken items worth more than $28,000 when leaving office. The items were later returned after officials clarified they were government property — something the Clintons described as a misunderstanding.
He didn’t stop there, adding a jab about his father’s predecessor: “And let’s not talk about the intern. Sit this one out.”
Clinton later elaborated on her position in an opinion piece for USA Today, writing that renovations to the White House were not inherently wrong but should reflect respect for history and the public. “Every president and first family makes changes to the White House over time, and renovations themselves aren’t wrong,” she said. “What matters is how the changes are done, whether history is respected, and whether the public is considered, because the White House belongs to the people.”
The East Wing, traditionally home to the First Lady’s offices and reception spaces, was demolished last month as part of what Trump called a “necessary modernisation.” Defending the decision, he said keeping the wing intact would “hurt a very, very expensive, beautiful building,” adding that he and “some friends of mine” would fund the ballroom’s construction “at no cost to taxpayers.”
