Is Trump’s White House renovation a big deal or no deal?

In this newsletter last week, I wrote that I wasn’t overly concerned about President Donald Trump tearing down the East Wing of the White House to put up a ballroom. My exact words, in fact, were that it was a “story I care very little about.”

My overall point: There are way more things Trump is doing these days that are potentially more damaging to the country and our democracy than renovating the White House, especially if he’s not using public money.

That stance did not go over well with many Poynter Report readers.

One reader wrote to me, “I am furious that he showed so little regard for property that does not belong to him, and to throw up (literally) a gaudy showroom to entertain his rich pals. … Now I’m (ticked) off at you too. Is there no end to the misery this horrible man is shoving down our throats? Outrage over his insane behavior has to be louder and definitely more effective, and you and Poynter should be supporting the outrage more effectively.”