WASHINGTON — New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman estimates President Donald Trump now dedicates 70 percent of his focus to renovation and monument projects, even as the White House faces mounting political pressure. Haberman made the assessment on "The Ezra Klein Show" podcast.
Trump's attention centers on projects including a new White House ballroom and a proposed triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial. A federal appeals court blocked the $600 million White House ballroom this month, citing a lack of congressional approval.
Haberman, who co-wrote "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump" with Jonathan Swan, said the projects represent "a legacy thing" for the president.
A Trump insider described the building fixation as a deliberate distraction, saying Trump concentrates on construction to divert attention from poor polling numbers — which the president denies. The insider also said the war with Iran, ongoing tariffs and monument spending demoralize the Republican base.
Top Republicans have grown irritated over Trump's reluctance to deploy funds from his aligned super PAC, MAGA Inc. The PAC holds more than $400 million, largely unused for competitive races ahead of the midterm elections. Donors have grown demoralized watching the money sit idle, according to the same insider. The party's chances of holding the House and Senate appear increasingly uncertain.
Axios characterized the period for Republicans as a "Trump-induced summer of discontent," defined more by scaffolding than by strategic campaign moves.
Trump's second term began with rapid action on immigration, trade and political retribution. That pace has slowed sharply, with the president's attention now largely on construction projects that continue to face legal challenges.
