Catégorie oBox : OBOXMA

As Republicans push toward securing $1 billion in public funding for Trump’s White House ballroom project, the president is highlighting what he describes as a financial success, despite earlier promises that the construction would rely entirely on private funding. The ballroom, which Trump began building during his second term after controversially ordering the demolition of the East Wing without congressional approval, was initially presented as a privately financed initiative. Now, as lawmakers consider allocating taxpayer money, Trump is using Truth Social to emphasize that the project is «Way Under Budget» while accusing «the Fake News» of misrepresenting its costs.

«The White House Ballroom is going up rapidly on the East side of the White House,» Trump wrote in a recent post, outlining the current state of construction. He added «The only reason the cost has changed is because, after deep rooted studies, it is approximately twice the size, and a far higher quality, than the original proposal, which would not have been adequate to handle the necessary events, meetings, and even future Inaugurations.» The president framed the expansion as a necessary adjustment, arguing that earlier plans underestimated the scale required for official functions and long-term use.

The ballroom project has seen multiple revisions in projected costs since its inception, contributing to growing scrutiny in Washington. Trump acknowledged that the original estimate stood at $200 million before increasing to $300 million and eventually nearing $400 million. «The original price was 200 Million Dollars, the double sized, highest quality completed project will be something less than 400 Million Dollars,» he said, presenting the increase as a reflection of improved design rather than mismanagement. The shifting figures, however, have drawn criticism from lawmakers questioning the consistency of the administration’s financial planning.

«This was a necessary change, it was done long ago, but the Fake News failed to report it, trying to make it look like there was a cost overrun. Actually, it is coming in ahead of schedule, and under budget!»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump on Truth Social

At the same time, the administration has moved to secure public funding for the project, marking a significant shift from its initial commitment to avoid taxpayer involvement. The push intensified following political tensions tied to recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner events, with officials arguing that a new, larger venue is needed for security and logistical reasons. Congress is now considering a proposal that would allocate up to $1 billion for the ballroom and related infrastructure, raising concerns among critics about the use of federal funds for what was initially framed as a privately financed initiative.

Trump has sought to counter criticism by emphasizing construction progress and framing the project as both efficient and ahead of schedule. «It will be magnificent, safe, and secure!» he wrote, while also addressing public skepticism about the rising costs. He argued that negative perceptions are largely driven by media coverage, stating «This was a necessary change, it was done long ago, but the Fake News failed to report it, trying to make it look like there was a cost overrun. Actually, it is coming in ahead of schedule, and under budget!» The comments reflect a broader effort to control the narrative surrounding the project.

«The original price was 200 Million Dollars, the double sized, highest quality completed project will be something less than 400 Million Dollars.»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump on Truth Social

The debate over the ballroom highlights ongoing tensions between the administration and Congress over federal spending priorities, as well as broader questions about transparency and accountability in large-scale government projects. Supporters argue that the expansion addresses longstanding infrastructure limitations at the White House, while critics point to the evolving cost estimates and the shift toward public funding as key concerns. As lawmakers continue to weigh the proposal, the project remains a focal point in discussions about executive authority, fiscal responsibility, and the role of taxpayer money in presidential initiatives.

The pope has directly responded to accusations from Trump, who claimed that the head of the Catholic Church was «endangering a lot of Catholics» because of his opposition to the U.S. president’s actions that led to the war in Iran. The remarks came after a series of public attacks from Trump, who said «I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people. But I guess if it’s up to the pope, he thinks it’s just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.» The comments marked a further escalation in an already tense and highly public dispute between the two figures.

Speaking to journalists while leaving a papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Pope Leo XIV addressed the criticism directly, rejecting Trump’s claims and clarifying the Church’s position. «If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the gospel, let them do so with the truth: the church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons for years, there is no doubt about that.» he said. The pope’s response emphasized long-standing Catholic doctrine opposing nuclear arms, directly contradicting Trump’s assertion that he supported Iran obtaining such weapons.

«The Pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump

The pope went further in outlining the role of the Church in global conflicts, stressing that his position was rooted in a broader mission rather than political alignment. «The mission of the church is to preach the gospel, to preach peace.» he said, before adding «I simply hope to be listened to because of the value of God’s word.» His remarks framed the dispute as one grounded in moral and theological principles, rather than geopolitical strategy, as he continued to advocate for de-escalation and dialogue amid the ongoing war.

The public exchange comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, as the Vatican prepares to host U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a private audience with the pope. Rubio acknowledged the significance of the meeting, stating there was «a lot to talk about with the Vatican». The visit is expected to address a range of issues, including the war in Iran and broader humanitarian concerns, as tensions between Washington and the Vatican continue to draw international attention.

Relations between Trump and Pope Leo XIV have steadily deteriorated over the past several months, evolving from policy disagreements into personal and ideological clashes. The friction began in November 2025 when the pope criticized U.S. deportation policies, saying migrants were being treated with «extreme disrespect» and urging the administration to «seek ways of treating people with humanity.» The divide deepened in April 2026 after U.S. airstrikes in Iran, which the pope condemned as an «exhibition of force» in a world he said was being «ravaged by a handful of tyrants.»

«I simply hope to be listened to because of the value of God’s word.»

– Pope Leo XIV

Trump responded at the time with direct attacks on social media, calling the pope «WEAK on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy.» By May, his rhetoric intensified further, claiming in a radio interview that «the Pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.» While the Vatican has stated that the pope «has no intention of debating» the president, Leo XIV has continued to use his platform to advocate for peace, maintaining a consistent message even as the political confrontation between the two leaders continues to escalate.

This year’s Met Gala celebration was disrupted for billionaire Jeff Bezos, the event’s lead sponsor, and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos, both serving as honorary chairs for the high-profile fundraiser. Bezos was forced to avoid the red carpet as large protests erupted outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Demonstrators gathered to denounce the Amazon founder, while activist campaigns targeted his business practices. The situation created an unusual backdrop for one of fashion’s most closely watched nights, shifting attention away from celebrity arrivals and toward the growing backlash surrounding one of the event’s most prominent figures.

Critics and activists focused their protests on longstanding concerns over Amazon’s labor practices, particularly warehouse working conditions. A provocative art installation placed near the venue featured hundreds of miniature bottles of fake urine, symbolizing reports that workers had skipped bathroom breaks to meet productivity targets. The display drew significant attention from both attendees and passersby, amplifying criticism already circulating online. Protest organizers used the installation as a visual statement to highlight what they described as systemic issues within Amazon’s operations and to bring those concerns directly to one of the most visible cultural events of the year.

Beyond the museum grounds, the «Boycott the Bezos Met Gala» campaign expanded its presence across the city, projecting messages onto nearby buildings and drawing additional crowds to the protest sites. Demonstrators gathered close to the red carpet entrance, chanting and holding signs that criticized Bezos’ financial involvement in the event. Some protesters described the $10 million sponsorship as «charity grifting», arguing that high-profile philanthropy should not overshadow labor-related controversies. The scale of the demonstrations underscored how the Met Gala, typically centered on fashion and celebrity, had become a focal point for broader social and economic debates.

The backlash appeared to have ripple effects within the entertainment industry, with reports indicating that several high-profile celebrities chose not to attend the event. While organizers did not publicly link absences to the protests, the timing and context fueled speculation that some figures sought to distance themselves from the controversy. The Met Gala has increasingly become a platform where cultural visibility intersects with political and social messaging, and this year’s tensions highlighted the challenges faced by public figures navigating high-profile associations in a polarized environment.

Out of public view

Despite his role as honorary co-chair, Bezos did not appear on the iconic Met Gala red carpet, instead opting to enter the venue through a private access point. His absence stood in contrast to his wife’s public appearance, as Lauren Sánchez Bezos walked the steps alone in a navy-blue Schiaparelli couture gown inspired by the «Madame X» portrait. She paused for photographers and completed the traditional red carpet appearance solo, maintaining the event’s formal expectations while her husband remained out of public view amid the ongoing demonstrations outside.

Inside the museum, however, the couple was later seen together during the gala dinner, where photographers captured them seated at their table and sharing a moment during the evening. The contrast between Bezos’ absence from the red carpet and his presence inside the event reflected the unusual circumstances surrounding this year’s gala. As protests continued to draw attention beyond the venue, the evening ultimately became defined not only by fashion and celebrity, but also by the broader public scrutiny facing one of the world’s most visible business figures.