White House officials confirm Michelle Obama’s 2022 portrait remains untouched despite viral claims of its destruction during East Wing renovation (Photo: Pinterest)
Social media is with rumors that former First Lady Michelle Obama's official portrait was damaged or removed when the White House East Wing was demolished. Viral posts claimed that the painting was taken down or otherwise compromised as part of construction related to former President Donald Trump's planned ballroom development.
Official confirmations and fact-checking indicate that these reports are completely untrue. The painting which was revealed in 2022, is secure and hung in another part of the White House.
A picture of intense demolition activity at the White House went viral very fast with speculation that the East Wing was being demolished to accommodate a $200 million ballroom.
Others on social media took it further, calling Trump out for tearing down Michelle Obama's portrait. Dozens of mislabeled posts went around, some even likening the scene to the 1950 White House renovation. But then came a deluge of anger and bewilderment until facts started to emerge.
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The reality is straightforward: Michelle Obama's portrait has never been kept in the East Wing. It is safely suspended over the Ground Floor Corridor, an integral part of the main executive house totally divorced from the section being renovated.
White House press secretary Davis Ingle confirmed to Snopes that "the Michelle Obama portrait was never even in the East Wing to begin with and everything that was in the East Wing was saved." No reputable source or official report has indicated any damage or move of the portrait.
As per official reports, the demolition of the East Wing is under the larger plan of renovation with the construction of a new ballroom. The cost estimate about $300 million will be met fully from private donations and not public funds. The funds are being handled by the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit agency.
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Donations are said to be made by corporations, defense contractors, crypto firms and rich donors. Most notably, Google owned YouTube purportedly diverted $22 million from a legal settlement to the ballroom fund.
This episode reveals how rapidly false information can go viral online particularly when it involves political or cultural sensitivities. What began as a construction update became a viral lie connecting Trump, Obama and an alleged act of disrespect.
The Michelle Obama painting remains undisturbed and safe a reminder that fact-checking is still important before responding to viral rumors.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on verified reports and official statements. No part of this content includes or promotes misinformation.
