Trump renovation projects draw scrutiny over cost and approvals

President Trump has launched 18 known projects to remake the White House and parts of Washington, including a recently announced $5 million granite helipad on the South Lawn engraved with the U.S. presidential seal.

The projects cited include repainting the Reflecting Pool, demolishing the White House’s East Wing for a still-unbuilt ballroom, adding gold leaf in the Oval Office and placing gold script on White House walls.

Trump has said private donors are funding the renovations and that taxpayers will not pay for them. Critics cited in the material say public records show ballooning budgets, noncompetitive bidding and federal funds used for the projects, with at least $1 billion in taxpayer costs.

A recent Washington Post poll found that two-thirds of Americans disapprove of the renovations, and 64% said Trump was trying to glorify himself or leave his mark rather than benefit the public.

Read the full story at The Week.