Trump calls White House a 'dump' while defending renovations

President Donald Trump on Sunday publicly described the White House as a "dump" that was in "very bad condition" before his administration's renovations, blaming past presidents for failing to maintain the historic residence. In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that the building's exterior was "practically falling off" and claimed his work has left it in better shape than when it was built in 1792. The president's remarks highlighted a series of extensive and controversial construction projects he is overseeing. These include the demolition of the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom, the paving over of the historic Rose Garden, the installation of a helipad on the South Lawn, and the fortification of the North Portico entrance. Work on the North Portico is scheduled for completion before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit later in September. The ballroom project has drawn particular scrutiny. Its estimated cost has risen from an initial $200 million to approximately $600 million, according to contracts and planning documents. Trump has consistently stated the project is funded by himself and private donors, not taxpayer money.