Fox News host Jessica Tarlov didn’t hold back when she criticized President Donald Trump’s latest project — a massive new ballroom at the White House. Speaking on Thursday’s episode of The Five, she accused Trump’s administration of focusing on vanity projects while ignoring the real struggles of ordinary Americans.
Tarlov called the new ballroom “a monstrosity,” saying it’s unlike any renovation done by past presidents and is reportedly almost twice the size of the White House itself. She said Trump’s administration wants the public to pay attention to the flashy project instead of the nation’s real problems — a government shutdown that’s now in its fourth week and a struggling agricultural sector.
She pointed out that while Trump claims he’s paying for the $300 million ballroom himself, the money likely comes from companies looking for political favors. Meanwhile, farmers across the country are unable to sell soybeans, and families are struggling with rising healthcare premiums.
“Trump and his team would rather distract us with this story,” Tarlov said, “but the truth is, Americans are suffering. Farmers are losing their businesses. Families can’t afford health insurance. And the government is still shut down. That’s what’s really happening.”
She continued, saying the situation shows “how Donald Trump’s administration is hurting everyday Americans — the same people who voted for him.”
A video clip of her comments has already been viewed more than 1.4 million times on X (formerly Twitter). Many viewers expressed anger at what they see as misplaced priorities in Trump’s leadership. One user wrote, “It’s crazy how his priorities are so wrong. While farmers can’t survive, he’s busy building a ballroom. We need a leader who cares about people, not palaces.” Another added, “We should be helping American farmers. Food doesn’t just appear in stores — it comes from them.”
However, some defended Trump, arguing that if the ballroom isn’t being paid for with taxpayer money, there’s no harm. “I’m fine with a free ballroom,” one supporter commented.
Earlier this week, construction crews began tearing down the White House’s East Wing an area traditionally used by the first lady and her staff — to make space for the enormous ballroom. The demolition has shocked historians and preservationists who say the East Wing holds deep historical value.
Despite the controversy, Trump has insisted that the construction “won’t interfere with the existing White House building.” He’s scheduled to leave for a five-day trip to Asia on Friday, seemingly unfazed by the backlash.
As Americans debate the issue online, Jessica Tarlov’s fiery remarks continue to spark conversation about what really matters helping struggling citizens or building grand symbols of wealth and power.
