What Next | Daily News and Analysis Look Upon Trump’s Works, Ye Mighty
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May 7, 2026 
Michael Scherer, staff writer at The Atlantic who covers the Trump administration, unpacks Trump’s push for lasting symbols of power. He breaks down vanity projects, from contested ballrooms to grounds renovations. Short takes on public reactions, legal and security twists, and how these efforts reflect a drive for legacy.
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Debris Dumped On Public Golf Course
- Michael Scherer recounts Trump ordering rubble from the East Wing demolition dumped onto East Potomac Golf Links to reuse for golf-course renovations.
- The move was direct from Trump’s requests to Interior, turning public federal parkland into a disposal site for demolition debris.
Vanity Projects Can Create Toxic Externalities
- The National Park Service found toxic metals like lead and chromium in the dumped demolition debris at East Potomac Golf Links.
- What began as a cosmetic/self-serving move created a public-health and environmental liability for taxpayers and park users.
Ballroom Costs Balloon And May Shift To Taxpayers
- The ballroom project began as privately funded and ballooned from ~$200M to $400M-plus while Trump repeatedly claims it's under budget.
- Senate Republicans have proposed using appropriations and reconciliation to shift taxpayer money toward the project.