Trump’s Offer to Obama: I’ll Build a $100 Million White House Ballroom
EmailDonald Trump wants to add-on to the White House – and he doesn’t want to wait to be president to do it.
"I called up the White House about a year ago. And I saw that they were having lots of functions for people like the President of China…And I said, ‘Listen, every time I see a function, you put an old broken canvas tent that they probably pay some guy, some local guy a fortune for'…I said, ‘I will build you, free of charge,’ to a very high official at the White House, ‘one of the great ballrooms of the world,’” Trump said.
“Want me to tell you the person?” Trump asked
Of course.
“David Axelrod,” he said.
Axelrod confirmed that Trump did indeed offer to build a grand ballroom similar to Mar-a-Lago.
“I will build it. It’ll cost maybe $100 million. Anywhere from $50 to $100 million,” Trump continued. “I will give you a gift and what we’ll do is we’ll hire the top ten architects in the world, hopefully, the United States, but in the world. We’ll have a committee, a review committee set up. We’ll pick the one that everybody agrees, because it’s a little delicate. You know, it is the White House, after all,” he said.
There’s a lot of construction going on at the White House now – but no ballroom addition. So what happened?
“He said, ‘Wow. That’s interesting.’ I never heard from him. And that’s the problem with our country,” Trump told me.
Axelrod said that he bucked Trump’s inquiry to the White House social secretary, adding that Trump had earlier called to say that he was willing to take over the Gulf clean-up effort from Admiral Thad Allen. That request was gently denied.
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Why is it that Donald is talking about a ballroom more then talking about the run for president. If he do run for president he will not do good with reporters. And another thing how is this man going to bring us out of debt when he can’t bring his self out of debt filed Bankrup 3 times come on Donald throw the towel in your done before it started
Posted by: Lisa | April 19, 2011, 7:36 am 7:36 am
I like Donald…… I don’t necessarily agree with everything he supports, but that’s going to be with any potential candidate. I’m a Democrat but I would vote for him over Obama any time!
Posted by: Richie | April 19, 2011, 7:44 am 7:44 am
First of all it’s President Obama, show some respect. Secondly Mr. Trump seems to think that money will solve every problem especially if the check has his name on it. Sorry, Mr Trump you can’t buy everything which is just what he was doing with the ballroom idea and the Gulf clean up.
However, George I did like it that you hammered him on the birther issue and he refused to answer, but you never gave up.
Posted by: Annie | April 19, 2011, 7:51 am 7:51 am
Where is the rest of the interview? This is an interesting post with you and Trump – would love to hear the rest.
Posted by: @ViewofAdam | April 19, 2011, 7:54 am 7:54 am
Trump is full of it. He is NOT running for president. This is all a scheme to drum up publicity for his “Celebrity Apprentice” show. Mark my words…he will make a big announcement that he’s decided against running within days of the big finale of the show.
Posted by: NWZGRL | April 19, 2011, 7:55 am 7:55 am
Uhhh, so why didn’t they accept his offer?
Posted by: Zasha Kidd | April 19, 2011, 8:15 am 8:15 am
Why doesn’t President Obama just show the actual doctor signed birth certificate if he has one? It would be soooooo easy to do and silence all this. The fact that he won’t do that simple thing is what really raises questions.
Posted by: wondering why | April 19, 2011, 8:24 am 8:24 am
Uhm, isn’t there something about not accepting political “gifts” that could prevent this from happening? The US government is not a charity that one can donate to. If you want to contribute to the country, then support rolling back the Bush tax cuts and pay your taxes. And encourage other rich folks and mega corporations to do the same.
Posted by: April F | April 19, 2011, 8:24 am 8:24 am
Seriously, I’m starting to think the tea party has hired Trump as a shill to try to make Sarah Palin look good. Either that or he has gone off his meds.
Posted by: April F | April 19, 2011, 8:33 am 8:33 am
I second Wondering Why’s comments. I wouldn’t want a gift from Trump because then you owe him a debt of gratitude, and the problem with our country is that it is too easy to get in bed with guys like Trump who then get WAY too much power just because of their money.
Posted by: Boling | April 19, 2011, 8:35 am 8:35 am
“…And I saw that they were having lots of functions for people like the President of China”
Wow – I wasn’t even aware that China HAD a President.
Posted by: Aaron | April 19, 2011, 8:40 am 8:40 am
Oh no, no debt of gratitude. He would probably ask to brand it, call it the Trump Ballroom, then write it off as a corporate expense.
Posted by: April F | April 19, 2011, 8:43 am 8:43 am
If you do not have your original birth certificate, you get a copy, and it says certificate of live birth. At least mine does from Il.
Posted by: bob mand | April 19, 2011, 9:00 am 9:00 am
In 2008, when President Obama ran, and gas prices were over $4, he said, if elected, he would institute a windfall tax and chided (deservedly) Bush and Cheney for doing nothing.
Its 2011. Obama is President. Oil Companies, without a windfall tax, still receiving a 4 billion subsidy, will declare record 1st Quarter 2011 profits. Carved out of our butts.
Is it any wonder that people will listen to the Donald on this topic?
Further, a DNC response to super rich who claimed to be willing to pay more tax? Good, just send a big check to the IRS. So why shouldn’t they be willing to accept a ball room?
And, as to the gulf clean up? Of the 20 billion fund, only 3.5 has been disbursed. Small businesses are dying. I have no doubt Trump could have done better.
P.S. I AM A DEMOCRAT! albeit a very disappointed one. If the Donald would consider running as an independent…..
Posted by: Trelayne | April 19, 2011, 9:04 am 9:04 am
There is something that speaks of honesty with Mr. Trump. His personality, and accomplishments evoke a special respect. It reminds me of when certain people try to get rid of Christmas, and never can, because there exists original fact, and a dynamic that people can feel, so it will not be denied. The love for our country coming from Mr. Trump,is so apparent,and moreover, definite ideas, of inspiring others to do the same, would you want less from a leader? DDP
Posted by: Denise DP | April 19, 2011, 9:09 am 9:09 am
In other words, if Donald Trump doesn’t get what he wants, there’s something wrong with the country.
Posted by: john2011 | April 19, 2011, 9:31 am 9:31 am
I had been excited about Trump as president until he did like so many canidates and changed his opinions. When he brought up the birth certificate thing again, I was disappointed because I had figured he would show leadership and say how ridiculous this was but instead took the low road to get the vote the uneducated vote. Now switching his opinion on Choice, it is obvious that he has become like so many politicians and said what he thought people wanted to hear. I want my president to be a leader and not just go with the flow to get a vote. I never would have thought this of Trump but it seems obvious. I would have thought he would have been strong enough to say, this is what I believe, vote for me or not. It also conerns me the way he responded in the interview. He got angry too quickly and responded by trying to intimadate and put down George with the tone he used when said his name. Not something I want to see in our president. Also concerned about his response on tax returns. What was that about? Sounds like he feels he has some questionable deducations on his return. Overall sorry to see this but better to know it now.
Posted by: Marilyn | April 19, 2011, 9:32 am 9:32 am
The White House doesn’t need a ballroom. If Trump wants to make a difference, throw that $100 million toward the deficit. It won’t make much of a dent, but the deficit would be $100 million closer to being reduced.
Posted by: Catherine | April 19, 2011, 9:40 am 9:40 am
The White House really needs a new ballroom?? Not a top priority in my opinion. There are a lot of bigger needs right now.
Posted by: Angie | April 19, 2011, 9:54 am 9:54 am
So let me see… He called the Obama Admin with two suggestions: one to build a ballroom and another to take over gulf oil clean-up from the Coast Guard–all were turned down. Just last year Trump was calling Obama smart, ambitious, etc and supported Speaker Pelosi. Looks like the Donald is smarting after being ignored by the administration. He seems more like a bitter and jilted (aka average millionaire/billionaire) child mad that he’s not being listened to by the pres.
Posted by: S. Lawson | April 19, 2011, 10:01 am 10:01 am
Now if he would throw some money towards the countries’ debt that would be good.
Posted by: God | April 19, 2011, 10:05 am 10:05 am
I like Angie’s comment!
Posted by: rod | April 19, 2011, 10:08 am 10:08 am
Trump is an idiot…..given his birther issues….his bankruptcies….and his screwing of construction contractors in NY and NJ…..he is not qualified to run an outhouse let alone the White House.
Posted by: rob522 | April 19, 2011, 10:52 am 10:52 am
Donald Trump is the most disgusting man I have ever seen or heard. Who does he think he is, he has no personality, no manners, he is uglier than sin and saggy all over. Go hug your money and keep your mouth shut.
Posted by: belinda parise | April 19, 2011, 11:23 am 11:23 am
100 mil for a ballroom? What a waste of moocho money during these trying times. I worry about paying my electric bill and putting gas in the car and I have not had a raise in 4yrs. He is as ridiculous as those “Real housewives” that throw around money on Botox and Shopping.
Posted by: DM | April 19, 2011, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
Donald Trump needs to spend more time on his new hair spray and not worry about the President. Who cares about him spending $100M on a ballroom. Why don’t you put that money to better use, for instance, helping people to stay in their homes that he continues to purchase right from under them. I had great respect for him but I don’t anymore. Besides, I have yet to see anyone of color working for him.
Posted by: Wantpa | April 19, 2011, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
See…he’s not serious!
Posted by: Gerald | April 19, 2011, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
I still can’t believe Obama won the presidency! How in the world was he even allowed to run without a birth certificate?!What made him so special that he didn’t need to show it? I mean, people can’t even register their children in sports without showing their birth certificates! And he’s the president of the USA? He obviously is hiding something otherwise what is the big freaking deal about showing it?! He’s a total joke!!
Posted by: Tess | April 19, 2011, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
Angie, I like your comment too. He has flip flopped on everything. He is also a womanizer. For him to say the President, and yes, he needs to be called President and not OBAMA. I am tired of the disrespect these WHITE Men have of this brillant African American Man. TRUMP, as I will call him, thinks he can throw his money around and it will make the world a better place. Money is the Root of all EVIL.
Posted by: Wantpa | April 19, 2011, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
I think the last person in the world I’ve ever want to be beholden to, would be ego maniac trump. Can you imagine that historic building with this awful tacky ballroom. Trump obviously just wonders what his legacy would be. He’s never done anything charitable. He’s been bankrupt how many times? And he comes back, figure out how to swindle someone differently and just wastes his money on meaningless things like the country has so many needs, and this, this is his big contribution???? Record numbers of people poor and hurting, but hey, I want to build a ballroom so history will remember my insufferable name. ugh! For all your weatlh, comb-over man,, you’re nothing, beucase you’ve never DONE anything of any WORTH! You have the money, just dont have the heart or sincerity.
Posted by: just keepin It real | April 19, 2011, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
Hey TRUMP where’s all that Birth Cert.
proof? talk, talk, talk, talk, now ballrooms!
Trumps a Joke!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: eciam | April 19, 2011, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
Great interview George…
Mr. Trump is beginning to generate some issues and getting the debate going – maybe it’s part of his “big tent” strategy!
I think we (the people) should accept his generous offer to the country (with no string attched of course).
Posted by: Rover | April 19, 2011, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
Of course the WH would reject the offer. If they had accepted, Trump would have waited until the WH was in the middle of construction, then threatened to pull funding if he did not get his way on some matter that would give him political advantage.
Posted by: Greggw | April 19, 2011, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
Lisa go right ahead and vote for him. Maybe you can get him to release all that Birth Cert. Info, and get a new Ballroom bebind curtain number three.
Posted by: eciam | April 19, 2011, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm
The GOP thinks TRUMP needs a TAX CUT!
He has money to build a Ball room, money to clean up Oil Spills. He and many like him Have money to do whatever they want, INCLUDING NOT PAYING THERE FAIR SHARE OF TAXES!
Posted by: eciam | April 19, 2011, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
Oh good, just what we need!!!, a 100 million dollar ballroom for a bunch of rich jerks dancing on the backs of the rest of America. Why doesn’t Trump say, I will donate 100 million dollars to replenish food banks, or build houses for the homeless.
Posted by: MiketheElectrician | April 19, 2011, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm
Trump is the man…Haven’t “you people” had enough of Obama already? What has he done..I forget how many wars are we in? How is our economy? How are the gas prices these days? Are a lot of jobs being created? Let’s see what else…Give me a break already with this fraud..
Posted by: Greg | April 19, 2011, 12:48 pm 12:48 pm
I can picture Donald Trump now — “Mr. Axelrod, I’d like to build a grand ballroom at the White House, a fine showcase for accommodating the world’s great dignitaries and many heads of state. Oh, by the way, never mind that stuff I said about the President — that he wasn’t born in this country and all that.” Don’t think that’s going to go over too well.
Posted by: em | April 19, 2011, 1:07 pm 1:07 pm
I think Donald Trump has lost his grip on reality…the real reality, not TV reality. Something has snapped in his brain and he has become dilussional. I feel sorry for the producers of his “reality” show for having to deal with him. The off-camera nonsense must be embarrassing.
Posted by: KsDevil | April 19, 2011, 1:28 pm 1:28 pm
America cannot survive back-to-back presidents doing on job training!! Tell Trump to get behind and help someone who is qualified to be president.
Posted by: D Lewis | April 19, 2011, 1:42 pm 1:42 pm
People complain about the expense of maintaining the presidency but when Trump offers to build a ballroom to save what is probably hundreds of thousands of dollars a year renting that tent, they complain “there are a lot bigger needs right now.”
By that reasoning, since we can’t afford to fix every problem we shouldn’t bother to fix any. Great plan and sounds Democratic.
A guy who can pull three businesses back out of bankruptcy and into profit might know enough to help this country pull back from bankruptcy.
I don’t support Trump for pres but I also don’t support an ignorant electorate.
Posted by: MizFW | April 19, 2011, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
The majority of posts seem to come from democrat voters. Intriguing how split the opinions are within a party. Trump did as well as George would let him during this interview. I remain undecided for now. Rather get more facts. I do feel Trump loves his country and his assets as well. If he runs it may be out of desperation to save both. If that is the case only fools would not vote for him to correct the mindless way we have voted believing another “professional politician’s” promise would be kept. The parties spend a lot of time and money researching what to tell us because it’s what we want to hear. One thing I do believe, Trump will step on toes unlike the modern politician. Good or bad for the country?
Posted by: Beasley 2000 | April 19, 2011, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
Trump is an idiot. Anyone who states that he deserves to be president more than the next guy because he “has more money” than this person. Give me a break. Tell the Donald that money does not make the man.
Posted by: Laurie Dalrymple | April 19, 2011, 3:20 pm 3:20 pm
Do any of you realize that just about any grand momument we pride today as symbols of America, came from capitalists who had grand ideas. You may not like Donald Trump. But as a leader, he possesses a key element that escapes most leaders today; vision. Sure, he has human faults. But, if anyone can make it happen such that it would fit the current architecture of the White House, Trumps our man; and he’ll do it at no cost to tax payers. Now what is wrong with that?
Posted by: G. Ford | April 19, 2011, 3:22 pm 3:22 pm
He’s kind of like Charlie Sheen. Used to like and respect him alot and now they are both just full of a lot of hot air and not very interesting anymore.
Posted by: Sarah Who? | April 19, 2011, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
If Trump sounds like a bitter man for being jilted by Obama, I suggest that’s probably the most appropriate and most American thing anyone can do and perhaps more Americans should follow suit.
Posted by: Jake | April 19, 2011, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm
How about taking that 100 mill and building some boys and girls clubs, homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, animal shelters, or anything that would benefit all americans (and their 4 legged friends) in need of help. Look at all the cuts to medicare and medicaid that will have such a profound on the elderly and folks with disabilities. Think about that Mr. Trump. I would respect you for that, but not for wasting that kind of $ on a flipping ballroom that isn’t needed at all.
Posted by: Sarah Who? | April 19, 2011, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
This man is an entertainer. I cannot believe the media wastes its time on him. He said a few days ago “I would go into Libya, take their oil..you know give them a little oil so they can live well, and then take the rest for me.” Then he offered an alternative…”look..saudi arabia wants qadafi out, so I would ask them for five billion dollars and they would just write me a check…simple as that.” On China, he said he wanted to make them “respect” us. That he would straighten all these little countries out so they wouldnt laugh at us..and that he is “much bigger than Romney” and so would make a better president. This is “the Donald”. Now he’s been a media entertainer for years(sometimes a very good one) and probably a front man for the real estate barons of New York City and the Media(I suspect this is the source of his “billions”.) But to take this man’s candidacy seriously is beyond my understanding. Could there really be people in this nation so primitive as to think this man a presidential contender? If so, we really are in trouble. The Donald is an entertainer. A good one. Different than Whoopi Goldberg, or Charlie Sheen, but none-the-less, an entertainer. That’s all he is, and I think he knows that. I certainly hope he does for his own sake, and ours. Or hey, maybe we could just make him “Emperor Donald the First” and he can rule the world from his own personal palace on Broadway.
Posted by: Donald Duck II | April 19, 2011, 3:57 pm 3:57 pm
Trump should have said he was offering to build a “sanctuary ballroom” where illegal aliens could squat. Then they’d have been all for it.
Posted by: Granny Kickin' Butt | April 19, 2011, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
How about spending a few dollars to fix your hair???
Posted by: natFrankie | April 19, 2011, 4:15 pm 4:15 pm
Obviously, Donald Trump has been very successful at running his businesses or
he wouldn’t still be the gazillionaire he is so why not give him a shot at running the country. He obviously couldn’t do any worse than the present administration is doing and for goodness sake at least he has experience at running something. I’ve always thought that other countries take advantage of the US by letting us fight their battles and never compensating us in any way. 1.5 Trillion in Iraq and what are getting in return? Absolutely NOTHING!!!
Posted by: sonya phillips | April 19, 2011, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
I guess when you’re a Billionaire with 24/7 media coverage you can blather any nonesense you want and the media will gladly post it on their site as actual news. Amazing. Jon Stewart if absolutely right, today’s mainstream media have sunken to tabloid level.
Posted by: A.Lincoln | April 19, 2011, 4:37 pm 4:37 pm
…trumpyboy….didn’t you file for BANKRUPTCY THREE TIMES….you have no money…you have been borrowing your way out of debt…wait a minute! you are on your 4TH wife…you got big problem RISING TO THE OCCASION IN KEEPING YOUR WOMEN…and you want to be president…hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Posted by: mamasgoodboy | April 19, 2011, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm
So Trump wants to fire some local guy/company so he can’t make a buck setting up the tent? Thought the anti-Obama crowd was pro-jobs, not taking away jobs….my mistake.
Take that 100 million and feed the poor and homeless, Donald. Better bang for your buck than a stupid ballroom.
Posted by: Jan | April 19, 2011, 5:20 pm 5:20 pm
Let’s see– Obama came into office 2 years ago with two wars raging, a meltdown of the financial system that left the world teetering on the edge of the abyss & Trump is worried about a freaking ballroom? Only Donald the Vulgarian Trump would take umbrage at that. Now I get why he’s so ticked at Obama.
Posted by: MJ | April 19, 2011, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm
This guy is an egotistical moron. If he wants to give away a $100 million how about he give it to homeless shelters, womens clinics, child abuse centers, schools, etc? Instead he wants to build a ballroom at the White House. Now guess what kind of president he’d be? What a bozo. Buy a hair salon Donald and then go visit it!
Posted by: Julie | April 19, 2011, 6:44 pm 6:44 pm
The guy seems to be stuck in an infinite loop repeating the same rhetoric. What an irritating individual!
Posted by: CommonGood | April 19, 2011, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
If he can privatize peace in the world,I will vote for him,otherwise he is the poster boy for the demise of the American Intellect.
Posted by: rvs | April 19, 2011, 7:29 pm 7:29 pm
Americans are so stupid. Trump on Libya, Trump on Gas Prices, Trump on Deficit Spending, Trump on 2012, on and on it goes. If I become a Billionaire will ABC and other news outlets print all my blather on every subject under the sun that spews out of my mouth as well? Since 1988 Trump has “Run for President” several times, each time promoting a special commercial project, and each time bowing out at the last moment. Times don’t change do they?
Posted by: A.Lincoln | April 19, 2011, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
I am a Republican and I am sick of all the crazy people who have hijacked my party. If it continues like this I will be thinking of switching sides pretty soon.
Posted by: reality | April 20, 2011, 9:57 am 9:57 am
I think Donald Trump should stop addressing ridiculous issues like Obamas’s birth certificate and deal with relevant issues, like health care, taxes etc. He is as incapable of running this country as Sara Palin!
Posted by: Judy | April 20, 2011, 11:47 am 11:47 am
I understand that the communications (phone system ) and other media are antiquated- might be more of a priority than a ballroom, which might also be nice
Posted by: literati | April 20, 2011, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
By accepting Trump’s offer- what would be the string attached? You can just imagine what a shrewd businessman would impose in return for his investment, that’s why Axelrod did not buy it!
Posted by: T Segovia | April 20, 2011, 6:43 pm 6:43 pm
DT thinks that This is a priority for this country? A BALLROOM? 100 million? This man is seriously out of touch, and after his comment today about his great relationship with “The Blacks”, I’m thinking that its time somebody sat him down.
Posted by: erroronline | April 20, 2011, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
I believe that instead of obsessing over whether to add a ‘birther’ clause to the constitution, there should be a “brainer” clause. Stating that You cannot be an idiot and run for President of the US.
Posted by: erroronline | April 20, 2011, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm
if he has money to build a ballroom, then he should pay taxes or pay off the debt of the USA.
The white house doesnt need a ballroom. they need ideas how to save money. that is not an idea. if he has 100M for a ballroom, then he can contribute his taxes as a wealthy tax giant. why dont you dump that money into education or medical research. not ballrooms. How does he know how much they spent for a private sector to put a tent up. is he on the budget committtee
Posted by: DBird | April 21, 2011, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
To those of you who are asking to see a doctor signed birth certificate, I can’t go down to the county and get one either and neither can you. They have it one file. And two Republican governors have verified that is legitimate and on file. All anyone can get is a certified copy and that is sufficient for a passport or anything else. And you can only get one if you are born in the United States…get it. He was born in Hawaii. Oh, and not to break your hearts, but there is no Santa Claus and no such things as aliens or big foot either. I think they should have IQ tests before people could run for office and then we would not have to have these absurd discussions.
Posted by: Chelly | April 26, 2011, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
If he’ll waste that much money on a ballroom, I can imagine the waste we will see with taxpayers’ money.
Posted by: joned | May 3, 2011, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
George, your “bottom line” here is so outdated, trying to make time from your busy schedule kissing up to this administration to put some current news here. Thanks.
Posted by: Freedom | May 5, 2011, 9:51 am 9:51 am
ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT TRUIMP IS TRYING TO CREATE AN EGO CENTRIC LEGACY, HE IS A VERY PERSON BEHIND AMERICAN MAJORITY SUFFERING MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON HIM AND TOUCH HIS GREEDY HEART AND MAKE HIM CARE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE IN THE WORLD .
GOD BLESS BLESS THE WORLD AND GOD BLESS US ALL AND U.S
Posted by: keeya rogers | March 3, 2012, 2:46 am 2:46 am