In particular, it is noted that President Truman completely renovated the White House from within. But there is a world of difference between Truman's renovation of the White House and Trump's desecration of the White House.
Truman undertook renovations out of necessity. The White House was in danger of collapsing.
For crying out loud, Margaret Truman's piano fell through the floor.
And while Truman had a significant role in the renovation, he didn't undertake it alone. Congress established a Commission to oversee the renovation in 1949. Truman moved to Blair House across the street for the duration of his presidency. This undertaking wasn't done for his benefit, but for the benefit of his successors.
There was nothing structurally wrong with the White House. Our democracy is another matter altogether. Trump did this out of vanity and acted unilaterally. He is building a ballroom which is nearly twice the size of the White House. Trump is treating the White House like one of his personal properties much like he has with the federal government at large. This is not the act of a man who intends to leave the White House in January 2029.
Next summer it will be UFC matches. Perhaps the ballroom will host the execution of his political opponents a la the Roman Colosseum.
Aside from being President, the only thing Truman and Trump have in common are the first four letters of their last names.
Harry Truman famously declined appointments to corporate boards by stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale." No doubt Truman felt the same about the White House.
Let me put it this way. Could you imagine Trump saying the White House belongs to the American people and is not for sale?
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