Former Obama adviser David Axelrod warns that Donald Trump’s Marie Antoinette obsession could become a political problem for republicans. He has been Trump’s critic for a long time.
He called Trump’s Federal Reserve renovations a “big political problem.” Axelrod has often called out Trump over his renovations while people are struggling with the rising cost of living and putting food on their table.
To many, the president’s obsession with ballroom and bathroom renovations is tasteless. Such expensive renovations are tone-deaf and not on their list of priorities. Trump threatened to sue Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over the renovations, highlighting his obsession with them.
What this perverse post from @realDonaldTrump displays is what we see every day: “Trump Obsession Syndrome.”
The absence of empathy & grace for the Reiner family in their moment of profound loss and grief is sad and revealing.
For @POTUS, his grievances trump their grief. pic.twitter.com/OrybnAPJAI
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) December 15, 2025
While Americans struggle, Trump is bragging on social media about the marble armrests at the Kennedy Center. Axelrod added, “People are saying to themselves, ‘What the hell does that have to do with me? I thought he was going to be fighting for me to bring my costs down?’”
Meanwhile, Trump did not miss a chance to show off the marbleized floor of the Palm Room in the White House. Earlier, he posted about the bathroom renovation that received criticism. Axelrod further added, “He seems obsessed with gold and putting his name on things and remodeling buildings and rebuilding monuments to himself.”
He said this “Marie Antoinette thing” going on could be a “political problem and not for him…but Republicans should be really concerned about what they’re seeing.” Trump’s second term has focused on an immigrant crackdown and White House renovation projects.
“He thinks he has the authority to go and destroy what is essentially a sacred, historic site, and put up a palace because he thinks he’s a king”: David Axelrod, former senior adviser to Pres. Obama, on President Trump’s proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom. pic.twitter.com/FRdE61R9S7
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) October 24, 2025
He has added gaudy golden details, paved the Rose Garden, and even demolished the historically important East Wing. He wants to use that space to accommodate the $300 million ballroom that he will be naming after himself.
Trump hasn’t limited his name to buildings. He also released a $1 million Trump Class’ gold card, selling citizenship to the rich. He also started an investment program, and there are plans for minting coins with his face on them. Trump also announced bigger and faster battleships for the Navy.
