News outlets dance with Trump and his ballroom

CNN reportedly got word to downplay the East Wing demolition; the Washington Post excuses it

Mark Jacob
Oct 29, 2025

This On-Target video by Steven Beschloss and me examines how some media seem to be pleasing Donald Trump with their reaction to his destruction of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a ballroom. The Status newsletter reported that CNN boss Mark Thompson had a White House meeting and then urged his staff to ease up on the story. (CNN denied that.) The Washington Post, meanwhile, praised Trump’s sneaky, unilateral action because “the traditional review process” would take too long. (Post owner Jeff Bezos is helping pay for the ballroom.)

Beschloss is author of the outstanding “America, America” newsletter. Consider subscribing. Also subscribe to my free “Stop the Presses” newsletter if you haven’t already.

Subscribed

Share

That’s it for this week! If you enjoyed reading this week’s issue, consider forwarding this email to a friend or colleague.

Stop the Presses is a product of COURIER, a civic media company.

Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *