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What’s Behind President Trump’s Aesthetic?

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Demolition work continues where the East Wing once stood at the White House on December 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump ordered the 123-year-old East Wing and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden leveled to make way for a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom that he says will cost around $300 million and will be paid for with private donations. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Airdate: Thursday, December 11 at 10 AM

The White House says it’s submitting plans this month for its 90,000 square-foot gold-studded ballroom which will be bigger than the White House while Democrats call for inquiries into the funding of the project. Meanwhile, the Oval Office gleams with gold adornments, and an executive order decrees classical architecture for all federal buildings. Design historians say Trump is reshaping America’s visual identity in his own image, breaking with centuries of presidential restraint. We take a look at what’s driving the makeover, and we want to hear from you: How do you interpret Trump’s visual choices?

Guests:

Naftali Bendavid, senior political correspondent, The Washington Post

Jessica Winegar, professor of anthropology, Northwestern University

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