• Rep. Eric Swalwell wants Democratic presidential candidates to vow ballroom destruction as 2028 nomination requirement.
• California congressman later softened stance, suggesting rename to Barack Obama Ballroom per Sen. Gallego’s proposal.
• Trump ballroom project costs $300 million, privately funded, sparking fierce Democratic criticism over East Wing demolition.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) issued an ultimatum to potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates Sunday, demanding they pledge to demolish President Donald Trump‘s controversial $300 million White House ballroom on their first day in office.

“Don’t even think of seeking the Democratic nomination for president unless you pledge to take a wrecking ball to the Trump Ballroom on DAY ONE,” Swalwell posted to X on Sunday. The declaration marks the latest Democratic response to Trump’s historic White House renovation, which demolished the East Wing to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom designed to accommodate approximately 1,000 seated guests.

***Or, as @RubenGallego proposes, rename it the Barack Obama Ballroom.

But a Trump monument to corruption will not stand.

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) October 26, 2025

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Walking back the wrecking ball

In a follow-up post, Swalwell appeared to moderate his position, endorsing an alternative suggested by Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). “Or, as @RubenGallego proposes, rename it the Barack Obama Ballroom,” Swalwell wrote. “But a Trump monument to corruption will not stand.”

Gallego, appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, had suggested the renaming strategy as a way to “really mess with” Trump. The Arizona senator explained he would prefer renaming over demolition, describing it as a more practical approach for a future Democratic president.

Republican pushback and private funding

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The California congressman’s demand drew swift criticism from Trump allies. MAGA attorney Jonathan Turley called Swalwell’s suggestion “reckless,” while Trump advisor Jason Miller dismissed the lawmaker as an “idiot.”

“Just when you thought that our political dialogue could not become more reckless,” Turley posted to X. “Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., demanded a litmus test for any Democratic presidential nominee: you must pledge to bulldoze the $350 million Trump ballroom.”

Construction on the White House grounds, which began earlier this month, is being financed entirely by Trump and private donors, with no taxpayer funds involved. Donors include major corporations like Amazon, Caterpillar and NextEra Energy, according to a White House-released list.

Historical context and Democratic opposition

For the first time in its 225-year history, the White House will have a formal ballroom. The new addition replaces the East Wing, which traditionally served as the first lady’s domain and housed the historic White House Family Theater where presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama screened films.

“Nearly every single president who’s lived in this beautiful White House behind me has made modernizations and renovations of their own,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, defending the project.

Democrats have condemned the demolition, with many decrying the destruction of the East Wing and the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. Chelsea Clinton described Trump as taking a “wrecking ball” to history, while Patti Davis, Ronald Reagan’s daughter, called the demolition images “heartbreaking.”

Partisan divide over presidential renovations

The ballroom project has exposed deep political divisions, with reactions following predictable party lines. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 contender, reposted demolition photos and quipped, “Ripping apart the White House just like he’s ripping apart the Constitution.”

However, even some Obama and Biden administration alumni have privately acknowledged the need for expanded event space at the White House, according to multiple reports. During previous administrations, state dinners were held in expensive tents on the South Lawn, with guests using portable bathrooms.

Trump has maintained the ballroom will not interfere with the existing White House structure and will be “a much-needed and exquisite addition” that stays true to the building’s classical design.

Should future presidents be required to preserve or demolish their predecessors’ White House renovations, or does each administration have the right to reshape the presidential residence?

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