Governor Gavin Newsom paused his duties in California to target White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt with a sharp critique following her announcement of President Trump’s $200 million ballroom project at The White House.

The move was shared on Newsom’s official press office X account, featuring an altered image of Effie Trinket, a character from The Hunger Games, known for her flamboyant attire and lack of empathy for those in lower ranks.

In the image Trinket could be seen holding up ballroom renderings inside the White House press room just as Leavitt had done earlier in the day.

Newsom compared Leavitt to this fictional figure, suggesting Trump’s ballroom represents a ‘let them eat cake’ mindset, reminiscent of France’s aristocracy.

‘As all the Districts struggle with rising grocery and goods costs, we’re thrilled to unveil a grand ballroom at the Capitol for lavish gatherings! May the odds be ever in your favor!’ Newsom quipped, using language from the popular series to emphasize his point.

But the post quickly backfired on Newsom with Trump supporters rushing to defend Leavitt. 

‘It’s not being paid for by taxpayers – but you knew that,’ chimed in one X user.

‘Trump and donors are footing the bill, not taxpayers. You seem to have *purposely* left that out,’ explained another.

‘Opulent parties? Like those at the French Laundry with your allies during COVID?’ commented another, taking a swipe at Newsom’s widely criticized dining incident during the pandemic, where he was seen with a large group in defiance of restrictions.

But the California Democrat wasn’t done.

He followed up with a tweet mocking the Trump administration’s priorities.

‘They’re more interested in defending their ballroom than the 17 million they kicked off health care.’ 

Then in a third tweet dripping with sarcasm from his personal account, Newsom responded directly to the White House announcement: ‘Oh thank god – this is what the American people were desperately pleasing with you to do!’

Leavitt, for her part, remained focused on the policy as she unveiled renderings for the planned 90,000-square-foot State Ballroom, detailing the privately funded construction project she said would allow the White House to host major diplomatic events without resorting to makeshift tents on the South Lawn. 

‘The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world,’ Leavitt said. ‘But it does not have a space that can accommodate major functions without installing large and unsightly tents 100 yards from the main building entrance.

‘This ballroom will change that,’ she added, noting the facility would hold up to 650 guests, a massive upgrade from the East Room’s 200-person capacity.   

She said construction would begin in September, with completion expected ‘well before the end of President Trump’s term.’ 

For his part, President Trump embraced the ballroom plan with his usual bravado.

‘We’re good at building,’ he said on Thursday. ‘I’m good at building things, and we’ll get it built quickly and on time. It’ll be beautiful – top of the line.’ 

The ballroom, he said, would reflect the design elegance of Mar-a-Lago and Turnberry, two of his signature properties, and would replace the East Wing – home to the First Lady’s office – which will be temporarily relocated and modernized. 

Despite Newsom’s implication, taxpayer dollars will not fund the project. 

Leavitt confirmed that Trump and private donors will cover the entire $200 million cost, although donor names were not disclosed. 

The ballroom will be built just south of the main mansion, and renderings show a white-columned neoclassical structure that mimics the White House’s famous façade.

It will be the first major structural addition to the Executive Mansion in nearly a century.

The East Wing will not be demolished, but repurposed during the construction period.

Leavitt reiterated the ballroom’s diplomatic utility. ‘This new facility will give the United States a world-class venue to host global leaders with the dignity and grandeur that such occasions deserve.’

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles emphasized the administration’s commitment to architectural integrity. 

‘President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail.’