The political cartoon in the Sunday paper wrongly conflates President Donald Trump’s demolition of the East Wing of the White House with White House renovation projects of previous presidents (“Renovation frustration,” Oct. 26).
While it is true that many White House renovations have been controversial, those controversies have been aired and fought over in the public forum. Previous presidents have acknowledged that they are stewards of the White House, sharing a responsibility for it with the citizens of the United States. Franklin Roosevelt said, “I never forget that I live in a house owned by all the American people and that I have been given their trust.” Ronald Reagan once welcomed visitors saying, “Welcome here to your house, which you’re letting me live in for a while.”
Trump, by contrast, has presumed that he can do whatever he likes with the White House, without any need for public review or discussion, and without giving notice that he is about to demolish part of its history. His ballroom will thus be more of a monument to his arrogance than an asset to the country.
— Judith and Travers Nelson, Baltimore
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