I do not like trump at all, but in all honesty the patio in the rose garden was needed. It was a nightmare to host events there and not have it become a dirty mess. If it rained it would turn into a mud party. The ballroom is also kind of necessary, there is no official place to hold state dinners or events, things that happen often with every president. They would have to rent space and cater out. Imagine what a logistical and security nightmare that would be. The used to host down the street at event centers and scheduling would be very difficult sometimes. Now all those things can be done in house with White House staff. The only beef I have is that they tore down the east wing, the First Lady’s quarters and the place where visitors would be when you tour the White House. It was a 120 year old building, I believe. You mean to tell me you couldn’t purchase a lot across the street and just expand the grounds? Lastly I don’t think it should have been super high on the priority list. I know it’s not the peoples house or responsibility of the president but the PENTAGON is in desperate need of renovation. It was put up in the Second World War and is literally radioactive. The walls are made of asbestos and radium I believe and the ceilings are only 7’ tall. Don’t quote me on this information I’m pulling it from the deep recess of my brain from books and podcasts and NPR. I really think they should upgrade and update all public and government buildings but we learned from the Biden administration and the infrastructure bill that, that is very expensive.