Overview
- During a CNN interview, Rep. Jasmine Crockett asserted that the White House ballroom was President Trump’s main priority and linked the claim to the ongoing shutdown.
- Collins promptly clarified that Leavitt’s Oct. 23 comment answered a question about additional renovations at the White House.
- The remark spread after a clipped video posted on X by Acyn Torabi drew wide sharing from liberal figures, including Gavin Newsom and Chuck Schumer.
- The White House maintains the East Wing ballroom project is privately funded, with a personal contribution from the president.
- Crockett’s statement that the project requires destroying historic pieces has been challenged in coverage and remains disputed.