Bill Maher slams Donald Trump’s $300 million ‘Vanity Project’
Comedian Bill Maher addressed the controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s decision to demolish the East Wing of the White House, joking that he was “a little jealous” of how quickly the project was progressing — but also warning that its deeper meaning was troubling, RadarOnline.com can report.
During a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, Maher said, “Presidents have changed the White House in small ways before, but you know they always got approval from Congress… Now, as a constitutionalist, I have to say I find this appalling. As the guy who took three years to get my f—— solar panels, I’m a little jealous. I’m a little impressed because I live in LA, where you need thirteen permits to have a bird feeder to place on your terrace.”
The demolition, which began on October 20, has sparked political reactions and public debate. The East Wing – traditionally home to the first lady’s offices – was demolished to make way for a new 90,000-square-foot State Ballroom designed to accommodate up to 650 guests.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the move a “vanity project” and accused Trump of prioritizing self-aggrandizement over history. Trump rejected the criticism, insisting that the East Wing was “ready to be replaced” and that the White House had needed a larger events space “for at least 150 years.” He also claimed that the $300 million project, up from an initial $200 million estimate, would be funded entirely by private donors.
Satellite images from Planet Labs confirmed that the East Wing was completely demolished on October 23.
Later in the show, Maher discussed the issue with Michael Steele, former chair of the Republican National Committee, and Kate Bedingfield, former Biden White House communications director.
“Presidents do change the buildings,” Maher said, citing past examples. “Nixon built a bowling alley, Obama turned the tennis court into a basketball court. I can’t get so angry about everything.”
Steele responded, “I’m not angry. It’s not about being angry. It’s about understanding what the symbolism is.’
Maher agreed, adding, “The symbolism is that he’s not leaving, that’s what bothers me.”
Bedingfield made a sharper criticism: ‘If this was the only impulsive, reckless decision, driven by his own desire for self-aggrandizement, then I would tell you it’s just a building. But it’s not – it’s part of a way of governing that is eroding some of the institutional foundations of this country, and that’s scary.”
