This move has raised sharp concerns from lawmakers, transparency advocates, and legal experts who question whether the timing and purpose of

Construction crews began work at the East Wing’s main entrance, where guests traditionally arrive. While it remains unclear how much of the wing will be removed, early images show that the original corridor remains visible in renderings of the new ballroom design, suggesting the extension will expand outward from the existing structure. The East Wing, completed in its current form in 1942 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, has historically housed the Office of the First Lady and supports

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is the federal program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase groceries. The average benefit in 2024 was approximately $190 per month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA has now warned that it is running out of funds to continue issuing those benefits due to the budget impasse in Congress.