Dems propose ideas to repurpose Trump WH ballroom, including tearing it down, exhibit on ‘corruption and autocracy’

The 90,000 square foot space, which is replacing the East Wing and is being built to host large events, has been funded with private donations. Democrat officials are reportedly seeking ideas to decouple the space from Trump.

When asked if the ballroom should be used as its intended purpose, Rep Jamie Raskin told NBC News, "no way." He said he would consider a presidential bid if his party regains control of the House in the midterm elections. "This is a space that’s owned by the people and that serves the people. So, it should be used opposite of what Trump has in mind, which is for the American aristocracy and plutocracy to gather."

He proposed a dual-purpose space that accommodates some dinner guests but also holds an exhibit that would display attempts to "undermine and thwart popular democracy in American life," starting with King George III and going through what Raskin said were Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The space would be named the "Democracy Matters Ballroom."

Rep Ro Khanna said that the ballroom should be used in a way that "celebrates and empowers forgotten Americans." He said that "we should ask Americans — in rural communities, urban centers and hollowed-out factory towns — for their ideas of what to do with the space."

Rep Steve Cohen said, "I don’t think it would be a bad idea to tear it down." He added, "It’s this gigantic blob there that’s Donald Trump."

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential contender for Democrat candidate for president, told NBC News’ Meet the Press in October, "It’s a metaphor for this administration — the recklessness to which he goes about things, the fact that he doesn’t believe in rules, he doesn't believe they apply to him."

"So, you know, he’s a wrecking ball presidency."

A Democrat candidate for Congress, Saikat Chakrabarti, said that he would introduce a bill to turn the space into a Smithsonian-run museum that focuses on "corruption and autocracy." He said the private donors who funded the ballroom would be listed to "really put into the sunlight how this thing came to be."

Anita McBride, a member of the White House Historical Association board of directors and former chief of staff to first lady Laura Bush, expressed hope that the space remains a ballroom.

"I hope it remains a ballroom and hope that it’s tastefully and beautifully done so that future presidents will be proud to host honored guests there. But what I mostly hope is that the new building includes offices for the Office of the First Lady, White House social office and White House Visitor Office. Those offices serve the presidency in a unique and special way, welcoming all visitors to the People’s House."