From Mother Jones · Alex Nguyen · · 1m 20s
Trump claims he is the code
The president ignored fire and safety warnings for a White House ballroom renovation, insisting building codes don't apply to him.
In brief
The president ignored fire and safety warnings for a White House ballroom renovation, insisting building codes don't apply to him. Federal building codes apply to the White House unless national security is at stake, but Trump dismissed architect warnings about violations. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Trump fires architect over code concerns
James McCrery II left the White House ballroom project last October after Trump repeatedly ignored his warnings about fire, health, and safety violations.
I am the code, Trump tells architect
When McCrery raised concerns, Trump scoffed and claimed building codes don't apply to the White House, saying "I am the code."
“I am the code.”
Federal law requires code compliance
Trump's claim is false. Federal agencies must follow federal building standards unless it would adversely affect national security, according to congressional legislation.
Trump's argument about executive residence
The president claimed the Executive Residence, his home and workplace, isn't bound by the same rules as the rest of the White House.
Pattern of costly, troubled projects
The ballroom is one of many Trump beautification projects costing taxpayers millions, including a Reflecting Pool and Triumphal Arch that have gone awry or faced legal challenges.
Ballroom faces federal court scrutiny
A federal appeals court ruled the administration must stop construction due to lack of congressional approval, adding to the project's mounting problems.
The short version
Federal building codes apply to the White House unless national security is at stake, but Trump dismissed architect warnings about violations.
