The Guardian reports:

When Barack Obama roasted Donald Trump at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, the icing on the cake was a cartoon illustration of what the White House might look like if Trump ever became US president.

The name “Trump” was emblazoned across the top in giant capital letters, followed by “the White House” in lurid purple cursive, then “hotel  casino  golf course” and “presidential suite”. The parody imagined gold pillars, a giant crystal chandelier and two scantily clad women sitting at reception.

Fourteen years later, Obama’s vision looks increasingly prophetic as Trump, twice elected and determined to expand presidential power, puts his golden stamp all over the White House. Most dramatically, this week he sent in a wrecking crew to demolish the facade of the East Wing so he can build a $250m ballroom.

The image of broken masonry, rubble and steel wires at America’s most famous address was reminiscent of a disaster movie and struck a chord even among people who have become accustomed to shrugging off Trump’s outrageous antics. White House alumni and presidential historians led the chorus of disgust.

“It’s an abomination,” said Elaine Kamarck, a former official who worked in the building from 1993 to 1997. “It’s typical Trump and it’s going to look awful. They’re knocking down the entire East Wing of the White House. It’s not the end of the world but it’s just one more reason that Americans are getting sick of King Trump.” [Continue reading…]