Comedy show presenters recently targeted the demolition of the East Wing of the presidential residence and the corporate sponsors of a $300 million gilded ballroom project.
The 'Late Night' Host
During Thursday's broadcast of his show, the comedian expressed disbelief over the president's plan to construct a gilded ballroom. “It would be bad enough if Trump's biggest priority was just creating a gilded vanity project for himself, but it’s even more concerning,” he remarked. “Because to do it, he’s demolishing a historically significant and cherished landmark.”
The structure in question is the entire East Wing of the White House, which has stood for 120 years. He's demolishing the complete eastern wing to build his stupid ballroom. I mean, look at this,” Meyers marveled. “This is like a sequel to Fixer Upper called a disastrous remake.”
“And of course, the president misled about the initiative.” Initially, he promised no destruction and claimed it “won’t interfere with the existing structure” because it would be “adjacent without contact”.
“So he basically promised to treat it like his marriage,” Meyers quipped.
Trump said plans had changed following extensive research with top architectural experts in the world”.
“Oh yeah? Who was the architect you talked to, a fictional monster?” Meyers joked.
Criticism emerged quickly, though unproductive. A historic conservation group sent a letter the president saying that the addition would overwhelm the existing building and requested him to pause construction until the plans could be reviewed. Firstly, I fully support with the preservation society,” Meyers commented. “And two, good luck with your letter.”
It's the epitome of deceptive tactics,” he added. “He won the election by promising he was going to improve living costs for everyday citizens, and currently he's destroying the White House to build himself a lavish personal venue.”
The 'Late Show' Host
“As of this morning the East Wing looked like a rotisserie chicken damaged by a pet,” remarked the host on the Late Show. “That is very upsetting to look at, I realize that, and you know the administration knows that,” since on Thursday, the Secret Service blocked entry to a public space where reporters were photographing the destruction process.
That seems logical – if it's not recorded, they can just claim the East Wing hanged itself in prison,” Colbert quipped.
He highlighted that it was significant heritage being smashed to rubble”, as that section was built in 1902 and had been the base for presidential spouses since the Carter administration. “Actually, the former first lady was in the eastern part, and I truly wish they evacuated her because she’s often mistaken for a decorative lighting fixture,” Colbert remarked over an image of her more non-traditional outfits.
Trump has funded the “ball-doggle” with money from “groveling corporations” including major tech and entertainment firms. “And the president requires all the funds he can get,” said Colbert, as the estimated cost has already risen from $250 million to more than $300 million, for a 8,400 sq-meter building, larger than the current residence itself. “It's comparable to a sports pitch,” Colbert observed. “So remember, companies, as you influence the administration: no hands.”
The Daily Show
Meanwhile, on the comedy program, a correspondent detailed the swift evolution of the project from proposal to execution. “When he started, he assured that it would be separate from the current building and he wouldn’t touch the eastern section. That the work would remain non-intrusive,” he recapped.
“Then this week, there was a minor adjustment when the president demolished the side of the East Wing like it had a collectible toy inside.”
By Thursday, the entire East Wing was gone. “Events are unfolding rapidly,” he said. “He has spent over a decade to deliver a healthcare plan, but in 3.5 days he’s torn down a major section. Donny T, tell me this is going to end up looking good …”
Not quite – according to a miniature display presented in the Oval Office, the new hall will overshadow the current White House. “It resembles one of those crabs with the large claws, right?” Kosta chuckled. “I mean, I'm no design expert. But I do know a thing or two about exaggerated displays.”
