As PresidentDonald Trumpis attempting to makeover several parts of Washington DC, polling suggests many Americans are uneasy with the scale of his proposed overhaul.
Here's what a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsospollfound about Americans view some of Trump's major proposals in DC.
More than 2,500 Americans were polled April 24-28 about their views on a range of topics, including the Trump administration tearing down the East Wing of the White House to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
The poll found 56% of people do not support the project, whichTrumphas framed as necessary after last weekend's shooting at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondent's Dinner.
"This event would never have happened with the militarily top secret ballroom currently under construction at the White House," Trump said in anApril 26 post on Truth Social.
The ballroom has faced legal issues, including an activelawsuitby the National Trust for Historic Preservation, but construction remains ongoing.
President Donald Trump released a new rendering of the East Wing on Truth Social Feb. 3, 2026. Trump said the price of his new White House ballroom has risen again to $400 million − double the initial estimate.
Trump’s earlier estimates for the ballroom began at $200 million when it was announced in July, rose to $250 million in September and then to $300 million in October. The ballroom will be financed by private donations, Trump said.
" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />See renderings for the new White House ballroom under construction
President Donald Trump released a new rendering of the East Wing on Truth Social Feb. 3, 2026.Trumpsaid the price of his new White House ballroom has risen again to $400 million − double the initial estimate.
Trump’s earlier estimatesfor the ballroom began at $200 millionwhen it was announced in July, rose to$250 million in Septemberand then to$300 million in October. The ballroom will befinanced by private donations, Trump said.
Trump also has plans to erect a250-foot archbetween the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery — a structure that would dwarf most existing monuments in the area.
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Polling shows Americans are similarly opposed to that plan, with 52% against the project, including 41% who strongly oppose it.
The poll found only 21% of people support the plan to build the towering arch.
White Houseofficials have defended the proposal, saying it would become "one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington DC, but throughout the world."
The arch, like the ballroom, is facing a legal battle, as a group of local residents are attempting to block its construction, arguing its construction would could irreversible harm to the area's protected historic landscape.
Trump is also making his presence known in other parts of the city, including the proposed renovations to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he now serves as chairman of the board.
He is currently moving to overhaul theLincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, resurfacing it to an "American flag blue" coating. The move is part of a broader effort to upgrade the city's historical monuments ahead of the semiquincentennial celebrations.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Americans oppose Trump's White House ballroom and Washington DC arch