Democrats target Trump projects at unofficial Hill hearing
With Republicans absent, Democratic lawmakers criticized Trump-backed construction and design plans around Washington at a shadow hearing.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Democratic lawmakers used an unofficial hearing Tuesday to attack President Trump’s construction and design projects around Washington, casting them as self-focused ventures that deserve closer scrutiny.
Republicans did not take part. Because the GOP controls both chambers of Congress, the session was not official congressional business, according to CBS News. Democrats sat at temporary tables on the floor of a Senate hearing room rather than on the raised dais used for formal proceedings.
The hearing was led by Rep. Robert Garcia of California and Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. Lawmakers criticized projects tied to the president, including an East Wing renovation, a proposed triumphal arch, work involving the Reflecting Pool and design changes involving buildings, coins and passports.
Garcia put the attack in blunt terms, saying, “The biggest vandal in Washington, D.C., is the president of the United States.”
Norm Eisen, a former Obama White House ethics lawyer, testified that the country is seeing “unprecedented corruption in plain sight.” Eisen currently represents a man accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool, CBS News reported.
Democrats also focused on the Trump administration’s use of no-bid contracts for some projects, including the White House ballroom and recent Reflecting Pool renovation. CBS News reported that one contract went to a water filtration company owned by a political donor and neighbor of Trump.
Jon Golinger, a lawyer for the left-leaning group Public Citizen, warned the panel that public contracts can draw abuse. “Government contracts are juicy targets for thieves,” he said. CBS News reported that no court has found the administration violated government contracting laws.
The White House did not respond to CBS News’ request for comment.
The room at times had the feel of a political rally. Audience members applauded remarks by witnesses and lawmakers, and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton received a standing ovation.
Blumenthal acknowledged the unusual tone, saying, “Ordinarily we would have a presiding officer sternly gaveling down the applause, but actually there’s something very refreshing, inspiring about your approval.”
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois said the projects reflected “one man’s vanity over the priorities of the American people.” Lawmakers also raised concerns about possible conflicts involving donors to privately financed Trump projects and actions by the administration.
Musician Ben Folds, who held an advisory role with the National Symphony Orchestra until early 2025, also testified. He told lawmakers that the Kennedy Center was in a “golden age” before Trump became chairman of its board.
Folds pointed to artists canceling performances, Trump briefly adding his name to the building and a board plan to close the performing arts center for two years for renovations. “When you politicize art, you’ve got propaganda,” he said.
Democrats have opened several investigations into financing and contracts connected to the White House ballroom and other Trump-led projects, CBS News reported. Without control of Congress, they cannot force the administration to turn over information.
Blumenthal said Democrats would act if they gain that authority. “We will use that subpoena power if we are fortunate enough to have it next year,” he said.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.