Greek architecture has inspired generations because of its classical beauty. The concrete rectangles of the 40’s and the slap in the face grunge architecture got attention but isn’t what we want the future to remember us for. I’m thrilled Trump recognizes the Greek classical lines and is willing to find the money to build monuments that will long outlast him, but not his memory. Grateful every day he has THREE MORE YEARS!!!
Seeing the picture, it is better than I had expected. It is far enough to the East to not overwhelm the smaller White House, and it is in keeping with the classic style of the White House. It looks like a covered passage connects it to the White House. Also in mass it balances the very large office building on the West side of the White House.
If you think this ballroom has been catching heck from some people, you should see what AI reports on that western office building. Trump doesn’t like it either.
“Mark Twain famously described the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (formerly the Old Executive Office Building, or State, War, and Navy Building) as the “ugliest building in America”. Completed in 1888, the granite, French Second Empire-style structure was long criticized for its ornate, Victorian design and stark contrast to the nearby White House.
Key details regarding the building’s reputation:
—Architectural Criticism: Despite being a National Historic Landmark, it has historically been described as a “monstrosity”.
—Modern Context: President Trump recently referred to it as an “ugly building” in 2025, proposing to paint its gray exterior white to bring out its details.
—Design Contrast: Its ornate design was frequently disparaged in comparison to the neoclassical White House.”
If it is a granite building, wouldn’t cleaning the stone after 138 years make more sense than painting it white. It would have to be repainted every few years or would become even more ugly.
Seeing the picture, it is better than I had expected. It is far enough to the East to not overwhelm the smaller White House, and it is in keeping with the classic style of the White House. It looks like a covered passage connects it to the White House. Also in mass it balances the very large office building on the West side of the White House.
If you think this ballroom has been catching heck from some people, you should see what AI reports on that western office building. Trump doesn’t like it either.
“Mark Twain famously described the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (formerly the Old Executive Office Building, or State, War, and Navy Building) as the “ugliest building in America”. Completed in 1888, the granite, French Second Empire-style structure was long criticized for its ornate, Victorian design and stark contrast to the nearby White House.
Key details regarding the building’s reputation:
—Architectural Criticism: Despite being a National Historic Landmark, it has historically been described as a “monstrosity”.
—Modern Context: President Trump recently referred to it as an “ugly building” in 2025, proposing to paint its gray exterior white to bring out its details.
—Design Contrast: Its ornate design was frequently disparaged in comparison to the neoclassical White House.”
If it is a granite building, wouldn’t cleaning the stone after 138 years make more sense than painting it white. It would have to be repainted every few years or would become even more ugly.