Political commentator Tara Setmayer faced widespread criticism after comparing President Donald Trump’s White House renovation project to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Setmayer, a former CNN commentator, ABC News contributor, and GOP communications director on Capitol Hill, drew attention with a post on X showing aerial images of the East Wing demolition currently underway as part of Trump’s renovation plan.
In the post, Setmayer wrote, “[It] feels almost the same as when I saw the Pentagon damage on 9/11.”
It’s feels almost the same as when I saw the Pentagon damage on 9/11. pic.twitter.com/cgZ3LWOhnk
— Tara Setmayer 🌻 🇺🇸 (@TaraSetmayer) October 24, 2025
Her comment quickly went viral, gaining more than six million views and sparking strong backlash from across the political spectrum.
Federalist editor in chief Mollie Hemingway responded on X, writing, “The left is unable to mentally distinguish between Islamic terrorism that kills thousands and … building improvements. Horrific break with reality we’re watching here.”
The left is unable to mentally distinguish between Islamic terrorism that kills thousands and … building improvements. Horrific break with reality we’re watching here. https://t.co/RKMvCutR0I
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) October 24, 2025
Other users also criticized the comparison as inappropriate.
One user replied, “I hate what he’s doing but it is not on the same level as 9/11… have to be wise with your messaging.”
I hate what he's doing but it is not on the same level as 9/11…have to be wise with your messaging
— little🐦in a big old🌳 (@spinonitsaxis) October 24, 2025
Setmayer later responded to critics, writing, “This isn’t about messaging. This is how I feel and I won’t apologize for it.”
This isn’t about messaging. This is how I feel and I won’t apologize for it.
— Tara Setmayer 🌻 🇺🇸 (@TaraSetmayer) October 24, 2025
President Trump’s renovation plan includes the construction of a new ballroom on the East Wing side of the White House to accommodate official state events.
The project, announced in late July, involves privately funded construction paid for by President Trump and outside donors.
The White House has said the new addition will allow future administrations to host large-scale functions without the use of temporary outdoor facilities.
Chelsea Clinton, writing in USA Today, criticized the project in an op-ed titled “Wrecking the People’s House,” accusing the president of “erasing history for vanity.”
The Washington Post also featured a front-page story Friday morning headlined, “The East Wing Is Now Only a Memory,” which described the removal of portions of the structure as “symbolic of a presidency defined by disruption.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the project during Thursday’s press briefing, saying the construction followed a long tradition of White House renovations that have taken place under multiple administrations.
“We’ve been keeping you apprised of this project. We’ve shown you the renderings. And if you look at the renderings, it’s very clear the East Wing was going to be modernized,” Leavitt said.
“The president wants to do right by the people’s house. And so, that’s exactly what he’s doing. It’s going to be much more stable, strong, secure, and more beautiful than ever once it’s complete.”
The White House has stated that no taxpayer funds are being used for the ballroom’s construction.
The new facility is expected to be approximately 90,000 square feet and host up to 650 guests, according to prior statements from the administration.
While many Democrats and left-leaning commentators criticized the project, not all reactions were negative.
Activist Shaun King, a frequent critic of Trump, expressed support for the addition.
“I actually think it’s a great idea to build a big ballroom on the White House grounds. It’s virtually impossible to hold events of any size there and they are always wasting millions on tents and heaters and chairs and lights and everything else,” King wrote on X.
“Stop acting like you have some emotional attachment to the East Wing. You don’t.”
I actually think it's a great idea to build a big ballroom on the White House grounds.
— Shaun King (@shaunking) October 23, 2025
It's virtually impossible to hold events of any size there and they are always wasting millions on tents and heaters and chairs and lights and everything else.
Stop acting like you have…
The White House renovation is part of a larger modernization plan that began earlier this year and includes structural updates, new security systems, and restorations to preserve historical integrity.
The ballroom is scheduled for completion in 2026.
