Today, on the 23rd day of Donald Trump’s government shutdown, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt admitted that Trump’s gilded ballroom is his “main priority.” As working families struggle to put food on the table and 22 million Americans face skyrocketing health care premiums, Trump is spending his days directing the demolition of the entire East Wing to construct a lavish ballroom funded by billionaire donors seeking government favors. 

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement: 

“Karoline Leavitt said the quiet part out loud: Donald Trump’s main priority is his ballroom makeover — not everyday Americans. While working families are drowning under the weight of skyrocketing prices, and 22 million people are about to see massive price hikes to their health care premiums, Trump’s focus is demolishing the White House to build a $300 million ballroom bankrolled by his billionaire friends. Trump has been unabashed in showing the American people who he really cares about helping: himself.” 

As Trump brags about his $300 million ballroom remodel and throws lavish fundraisers with his megadonors, new polls from Quinnipiac and CNBC show that Trump’s approval on the economy is hitting record lows. Americans are increasingly concerned about rising prices, a hollowed-out job market, and Trump’s government shutdown. Meanwhile, he has no plan to reopen the government, bring down soaring costs, or protect health care for working families. 

On November 1st, the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period begins, and 22 million Americans will see their health care premiums more than double if Trump fails to act and Republicans get their way. Trump’s billionaire tax cuts cost more than 10 times as much as it would to permanently extend the ACA tax credits. And while he refuses to extend the tax credits, he’s also trying to hand out $40 billion to Argentina. Donald Trump’s disastrous policies are making life nearly impossible for everyday Americans. It’s no wonder voters are turning their backs on him.