https://newrepublic.com/post/208744/trump-arch-dc-taxpayer-dollars
The president had promised that donors would foot the bill. A new report suggests otherwise.
Donald Trump is asking for millions of taxpayer dollars for his proposed 250-foot-tall arch in Washington, D.C.
The White House is seeking $15 million from the National Endowment for the Arts to build the massive archway across from the Lincoln Memorial, NOTUS reports, citing a spending plan shared in the Office of Management and Budget database Tuesday. The plan contradicts Trump’s earlier promises that the arch, which is intended to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, was going to be completely privately funded with leftover donations from his ballroom project.
A federal judge ruled last month that construction on Trump’s ballroom “has to stop,” as the president acted beyond his authority to raze the East Wing. A group of veterans has also filed a lawsuit against construction of the arch, arguing that it not only requires congressional approval and an environmental review but would increase traffic and obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery. But if Trump gets his way, by the time 2028 is here, he will have left permanent tributes to himself across Washington.
Well if Canada is any precedent...
ReplyDeleteThe Prime Minister's residence needed massive renovations... 30 years ago and has continued to rot since then. It's now uninhabitable due to mold, decay and rodents.
The problem is the optics. No prime minister in 30 years wanted to authorize the necessary funds to fix it up because it looks bad. "Wow! Look how much the prime minister spent of our money on his house!"
So the current prime minister came up with a new idea. He called for public donations. The public could give money to fund the renovations.
And so far they've raised - wait for it - $735 000 of the $5 million needed. That's about it.
So if Trump things public donations will get his arch built...