Gold, Gold, And More Gold

Here in the United States we are in a new Gilded Age – well, at least our president is doing all he can to further that image with his penchant for over-the-top golden opulence. From wearing gold ties to sitting in a sparkling new Oval Office, he’s reveling in all the gold. Then there’s the Trump store, thankfully not on White House grounds, where one can buy a gold headband for a mere $34.00. Shoppers so inclined can also purchase a gold pen set in a golden case, as well as shoes and lapel pins among other items all glittering and gold.

But back to the White House.

The redo of the Oval Office has so much gold accents – picture frames, statues, trophies, crown molding, and coasters – one is tempted to wear sunglasses when watching an appearance on television. And Trump is clearly reveling in it all.

Next up is the gilded and glittering ballroom to be built in the East Wing of the White House to the tune of $200 million dollars. Construction will kick off next month, and it’s expected to wrap up prior to 2029. As mentioned in the article, The Truth About the White House’s New $200 Million Ballroom in Decor Magazine by Geoffrey Montes, it’s common for presidents to want to leave their mark on the White House, but none has done as much as Trump has. In the past eight months he’s redone the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden, installed two 100ft flagpoles on both sides of the White House, and now will add the extravagant ballroom.

Apparently, the cost of the ballroom will be paid for by Trump and donors – who have not been named. Even so, the general public should have a say in what’s changed on such a large scale at the White House. After all, the place belongs to us, the people, not the president. The White House is legally owned by the American people and is overseen by the National Park Service (.gov). It’s considered a National Park and part of President’s Park. While Presidents and their families live there, it’s not private property. It’s a national landmark accessible to the public.

If we prefer that the seat of American government not resemble a palace, we should let our voices be heard, and hopefully the next president will bring to the décor something more tasteful that exudes strength and global standing in a more refined and elegant manner. There’s something to be said for an understated image of power that isn’t trying so hard to impress.

There is also considerable opulence on the airplane that was donated to Trump by Qatar, to serve as Air Force One for his use. The Boeing 747-8 jet could require significant retrofitting and upgrades, potentially exceeding $1 billion, according to some estimates. The official cost of these renovations is classified. 

The gifted plane, itself valued at approximately $400 million, requires extensive modifications to meet the stringent security and communication requirements of Air Force One, including secure communications systems, missile defenses, aerial refueling capabilities, and protection against electromagnetic pulse attacks.

Why is the price tag classified? Shouldn’t Congress and the general public know the exact cost? Especially since Trump intends to keep the plane when he leaves office to become part of his, as yet nonexistent, Presidential Library.

And why has $934 million been transferred from the Pentagon’s Sentinel nuclear missile modernization program to an unnamed classified project, which is believed to be linked to the classified cost of the renovation of the aircraft.  All this for a plane that was a gift from a foreign country and should have been put to Congress for an acceptance, or not. The Emoluments Clause in the U.S. Constitution prevents the president from accepting a gift from a “King, Prince, or foreign State,” without congressional consent. 

Even beyond all those questions, there is a much bigger issue that we should all be concerned about, and that is how much money we’re spending that we simply don’t have. 

CBS News recently dug into Treasury Department reports and found that in Trump’s first 100 days back in office, the federal government spent more than $200 billion more than it had during the same period last year. We’re spending more, day-to-day, than we have in nine of the past ten years. The only year that beats this one was 2021 — the height of the pandemic, when we were trying to avoid a full-blown economic collapse.

Certainly that’s enough to give one pause.

That’s all from me for today folks. I’m still busy with business for the eventual move to another home, so not sure when I will be back. Whatever you have planned for the week ahead, I hope you have some fun along the way. Be safe. Be Happy.