As part of a lavish restoration project, President Trump has approved a nine-figure plan to refurbish the White House, including the addition of gold accents throughout the residence. The most costly element is a new $200 million (£150m) ballroom, announced on July 31.

The official statement from Trump’s team argued that the White House lacks an adequate space to host major events for world leaders without resorting to “a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance.”

According to CNN, recent renovations have seen “gold piece after gold piece” added to various areas, such as “tiny gold cherubs over the doorway” to the Oval Office. Journalist Kevin Liptak noted, “A lot of the finishes that he wants closely resemble his private clubs. Some of the details have actually been imported from Mar-a-Lago.”

Public Outcry Over Spending Priorities

The golden revamp has stirred fierce criticism, particularly in light of recent funding cuts. Some fear the lavish décor is tied to Trump’s political ambitions, while others are angered by the contrast between the spending and reductions to social programs.

On X (formerly Twitter), one critic wrote: “Trump is gold plating everything in the White House while cutting cancer research and Meals on Wheels.” Another said: “I don’t know how you justify covering the White House in gold after you cut cancer research funding and SNAP benefits for poor, hungry children.”

One comment summed up the anger: “This is F—king real. They are throwing kids off of school meals and Medicaid and putting real gold all over the White House as if Saddam Hussein was president.”

Cuts to SNAP and Health Benefits

Many criticisms point to the administration’s “big beautiful” reconciliation package, which, according to CNBC, contains significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The New York Times reported that the changes represent the largest cut to SNAP since the program began in 1939, affecting over 22 million families who rely on basic food assistance. Other reductions include funding for school meals, Medicaid, and cancer research.

As one detractor put it: “Whatever your politics… all the gold in the White House is disgusting. America doesn’t do this. We don’t have Saddam palaces. Or kings. We just don’t. Well, we didn’t use to.”