The 123-year-old White House East Wing fell to rubble at the hands of heavy machinery and the wishes of President Donald Trump last month. Trump announced his ambitious $300 million plan to modernize the East Wing, including a 90,000 square-foot ballroom. The project immediately sparked nationwide outrage. Trump is not the owner of the White House, but rather a temporary resident living in this landmark. His remodeling plans demonstrate his lack of respect for history and raise questions about whether he intends to leave the White House in three years.

The East Wing was originally the East Terrace, constructed in 1902 under former President Theodore Roosevelt to serve as a public entrance to the building. The modern East Wing was built in 1942 by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt to hide an emergency bunker created during World War II. Since its construction, the space has served as the traditional headquarters for the First Lady and her staff while also continuing to serve as a main entrance to the White House. 

Trump’s privately funded expansion represents the first major structural change to the modern East Wing since its establishment. The complete demolition and reconstruction have angered many Americans who believe that the president does not have the authority to so dramatically alter a building that belongs to the nation, not to him.

Trump’s rash decision to remodel the East Wing raises questions about whether he truly believes his time in the White House is soon coming to an end. While it is not clear exactly when the remodel will be completed, Trump only has three years left in his term and therefore will likely not be able to enjoy the benefits of his new ballroom and remodeled wing. So, if that is the case, why is he dedicating so much time and money into this controversial remodel if he will not truly be able to enjoy it? As he has hinted before, Trump is not fully convinced of his inability to run for a third time. 

Presidents have renovated the White House in the past, but arguably never to this extent. 

While former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy redecorated and former President Jimmy Carter installed the first computer, such actions are minor changes in comparison to the full demolition of an entire wing. There is a stark difference between that remodeling and the destruction taking place today. 

There is a national call for Trump to pause and reconsider this drastic demolition. But Trump is acting to serve his personal interests, not his country’s, an attitude he has held throughout his presidency. In his post as president, he is not acting in service to the American people but rather in service to himself. 

Unsurprisingly, Trump treats the White House not as a home to democracy but as a monument to his power. 

When the American people elected Trump last November, they sacrificed a nation that is built on the leaders and experiences of the past. This country does not belong to any one man, and the White House should stand as proof of that, not as a testament to one president’s vanity.