1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the recent unauthorized demolition of the White House East Wing to make way for a $300 million ballroom project initiated by former President Donald Trump. This action represents a grave overreach of executive power and a threat to our nation's historical heritage. The White House is not the personal property of any president, but a symbol of our democracy that belongs to all Americans. The demolition of the entire East Wing, which houses important offices and the First Lady's quarters, was carried out without proper oversight or approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. This blatant disregard for established procedures is alarming and sets a dangerous precedent. President Trump's claim that he could make changes without approval is fundamentally incorrect and undermines the checks and balances that protect our national landmarks. The White House press secretary's defense of these actions as necessary for a "modern, beautiful, and stable structure" fails to acknowledge the historical and cultural significance of the original architecture. While private funding may be covering the $300 million cost, with Trump claiming to have raised $350 million, this does not justify bypassing proper channels or destroying a piece of American history. The lack of submitted plans to the National Capital Planning Commission further highlights the improper nature of this project. I urge you to take immediate action to halt this unauthorized construction, investigate the approval process that allowed this demolition to occur, and initiate plans to restore the East Wing to its original state. Additionally, I request that you support legislation to strengthen protections for historical landmarks and increase oversight of modifications to national monuments. The American people deserve transparency and respect for our shared heritage. Please act swiftly to address this issue and ensure that future presidents understand they are temporary stewards, not owners, of the People's House.