President Trump's White House Renovations Spark Public Backlash
In 2025, President Trump undertook significant renovations in the White House, including gilded decorations in the Oval Office and the demolition of the East Wing to construct a large ballroom. These actions have drawn criticism from architecture and design experts, as well as negative reactions from the American public. The renovations are seen as part of a broader trend of conspicuous extravagance during the year, which also included Jeff Bezos's lavish wedding in Venice. The art world, meanwhile, experienced a resurgence of interest in Old Masters exhibitions, with significant shows in Madrid and New York. The year also saw challenges in the art community due to political actions, such as militarized immigration enforcement and tariffs affecting the import of art. 
