Story perspectives

Trump’s Beijing Makeup Gaffe, Donor Ballroom, Gas Tax Push

5/16/2026

Left

Trump Makeup Mishap

President Donald Trump’s hand was covered in makeup that mismatched his skin tone during a Beijing Temple of Heaven visit.
The White House ballroom will be financed entirely by private donors, President Donald Trump announced.
Trump urged pausing the federal gas tax, claiming an 18-cent price cut, without Republican backing.
The White House posted an “ICED OUT” Drake spoof as gas nears $5 amid Iran.

Right

Trump Secures Roses

President Donald Trump praised giant Chinese roses at Zhongnanhai and secured a promise of rose seeds from President Xi Jinping.
The privately funded White House ballroom, announced by President Donald Trump, will open in the White House East Wing around September 2028.
President Xi Jinping confirmed a Washington visit for September 24, 2026.
Trump cited recent assassination attempts and a $220 million Secret Service security request as justification.

Center

Trump Builds Ballroom

Senate Republicans have introduced a $1 billion security funding package that could be applied to the White House ballroom project.
U.S. President Donald Trump is building a 90,000-sq-ft ballroom in the White House East Wing, demolition underway and construction continuing.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop the East Wing demolition.
A federal judge ordered a pause pending congressional approval, while permitting safety-related work.

History

Historical Context

In 1993, President Bill Clinton launched a $15 million privately funded renovation of the White House West Wing, sparking preservation debates. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, arguing the GSA-overseen project violated the 1966 Historic Preservation Act, while donors contributed $12 million. Today's Trump-initiated 90,000-sq-ft East Wing ballroom, financed by private donors and challenged by the same Trust, mirrors Clinton’s contentious refurbishment. These repeated legal battles underscore how privately funded White House alterations repeatedly test historic safeguards and congressional oversight, shaping future preservation policy.

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Trump Makeup Mishap

President Donald Trump’s hand was covered in makeup that mismatched his skin tone during a Beijing Temple of Heaven visit.
The White House ballroom will be financed entirely by private donors, President Donald Trump announced.
Trump urged pausing the federal gas tax, claiming an 18-cent price cut, without Republican backing.
The White House posted an “ICED OUT” Drake spoof as gas nears $5 amid Iran.

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