I asked Google: "How many Presidents have requested a ballroom?"

[Sympthsical]

4. Being discussed doesn't mean planned

There's always been a little bit of a debate about it. Particularly during the 19th Century, American republican architecture and D.C.'s perpetual half-finished character were compared against the glittering courts of Europe and found lacking. This kind of smarted with a certain segment of the American upper class, particularly the nouveau riche who felt socially insecure.

But as soon as the idea got tossed around, it was dismissed. It was always viewed as an extravagance that grated against the character of American republicanism compared to the opulence of monarchy. Once the modern White House took shape, it became kind of pointless. The State Dining Room has been considered sufficient. Mix in that most people just assumed it would require some semblance of Congressional approval and cooperation.

Trump's the only jackass who decided, "Let's unilaterally demolish a wing for this bit of tacky garishness no one needs."