Overview
- During remarks in the East Room, the president said a much bigger room would be used in about two years and gestured to the spot he said would serve as an entrance.
- He described a "knock-out panel" that can be removed to enable expansion and said the area looks nice now but will look better soon.
- The Guardian, as cited by Raw Story, reported the comments as a strong hint of demolishing part of the residence’s exterior wall to connect to the new ballroom.
- Reporting notes the new East Wing ballroom is planned at roughly 90,000 square feet with capacity up to 999 guests and has drawn criticism.
- Video of the remarks circulated widely on social media, and The New Yorker published a satirical piece lampooning extravagant renovation ideas.