If there is one thing millions of Americans adore about President Donald Trump, it’s his penchant for ignoring established norms. It’s also what so many on the left dislike about him—and now they have a new reason to feel that scorn.
According to Golf, Trump told members of his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, that he preferred it there because the White House was a “real dump.”
Chatting with some members before a recent round of golf, he explained his frequent appearances: “That White House is a real dump.” (A White House spokesperson denies this occurred.)
Of course, people jumped on this as an unacceptable thing for the president to say.
Thank you to all the White House ushers, butlers, maids, chefs, florists, gardeners, plumbers, engineers & curators for all you do every day https://t.co/rjQS9HeALG
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) August 1, 2017
The White House is a beautiful building and purposefully subtle, making plain American humility & the role of President as public servant. https://t.co/B0ZyhyHMJI
— Mindy Finn (@mindyfinn) August 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/ColinKahl/status/892592656471269376
https://twitter.com/justinhendrix/status/892518443676729344
But, here’s the thing. The White House is a real dump, at least as far as luxury living standards go. It was rebuilt in the early 1800s after the War of 1812 and was never fully brought up to modern standards by anyone’s account. Here’s Vanity Fair describing the place:
New inhabitants are sometimes surprised at just how small the physical quarters are. The current configuration results from a Depression-era renovation designed to increase the workspace of the president’s staff without expanding the physical footprint of the building. Parts of the West Wing can feel grungy and old, and look as if they have been repainted far too often. Many of the offices contain mousetraps to fight the inevitable infestation.
Imagine the reaction if the first lady issued this quote about 1600 Pennsylvania:
“Oh, God. It’s the worst place in the world. So cold and dreary. A dungeon [like an infamous Russian prison]. I have never see anything like it. I can’t bear the thought of moving in. I hate it, I hate it, hate it.”
A first lady did say that about the White House—but not Melania Trump. That was First Lady Jackie Kennedy, wife of President John F. Kennedy. So, Trump is either betraying the nation with his words or merely stating the obvious. As with almost everything the president does, the difference lies in how you see him.
Update 6:25am CT Aug. 3: President Trump has now added GOLF.com to his list of fake news sites.
I love the White House, one of the most beautiful buildings (homes) I have ever seen. But Fake News said I called it a dump – TOTALLY UNTRUE
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2017
