Trump defends rising cost of ballroom amid criticism
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... President Trump on Saturday defended high costs associated with his White House ballroom project, telling critics that the space will be "much bigger and more beautiful" when completed.

Trump first slammed CNN's chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins for asking about the changing price tag.

"Caitlin Collin's of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty, asked me why the new Ballroom was costing more money than originally thought one year ago," the president wrote on Truth Social, misspelling the journalist's name. "I said because it is going to be double the size, and the quality of finishes and interiors has been brought to the highest level."

"Also, the column SPAN has been substantially increased for purposes of viewing," he continued. "It is actually under budget and ahead of schedule, as my jobs always are."

Trump added, "It's just much bigger and more beautiful than originally planned. Interestingly, and seldom reported, there are no taxpayer dollars involved. It is being fully paid for by private donations."

The White House initially announced in July that the ballroom, adjacent to the East Wing, would cost $200 million. The price increased in short time, with the president saying it would cost $300 million. A White House official told ABC News in late October that it would cost $350 million.

Though Trump previously said the construction would not interfere with the existing buildings, the project generated controversy after the entire East Wing was demolished in October. ...