Who is Paying for the White House Luxurious Banquet Hall? Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Others Are on the Donor List

In the past few days, this renovation plan has seen new developments. According to reports from media outlets such as CCTV News, Trump stated on the 20th that the construction of a luxurious banquet hall in the East Wing of the White House has already begun. On October 23 local time, reports indicated that the East Wing of the White House has been completely demolished.

The Trump administration had previously stated that the banquet hall would be funded by Trump and other private donors. According to Trump, the banquet hall covers an area of over 8,300 square meters and can accommodate approximately 1,000 guests. It will replace the temporary tents typically set up on the South Lawn of the White House for large-scale events.

As the White House advances the luxurious banquet hall project, the U.S. government shutdown stalemate continues. On October 23 local time, the federal government shutdown entered its 23rd day, with its social impact continuing to widen.

Democratic lawmakers and other critics have strongly criticized Trump over the banquet hall project, accusing him of undertaking massive construction while the federal government is shut down and people's livelihoods are affected, ignoring public appeals, and disrespecting historical buildings by "ruining" the White House.

In response to the criticism over the construction of the luxurious banquet hall, the White House issued a statement on the 21st, sarcastically referring to the critics as "deranged leftists and their fake news allies," claiming that this "bold and necessary" expansion project has driven them "crazy." The statement also listed records of numerous past U.S. presidents who had undertaken renovations, expansions, and modifications to the White House.