Melania Trump cops backlash over White House tennis pavilion

US First Lady Melania Trump has been roasted online after a tone deaf announcement today - although the criticism ignores one important fact.

US First Lady Melania Trump has copped another backlash online after celebrating the completion of a new tennis pavilion at the White House.

Mrs Trump’s critics have suggested the announcement is out of touch, given the worsening state of America’s coronavirus epidemic.

We’ll get to that reaction shortly. First, however, I want to note that planning for the project started in early 2018, and it was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission in June of 2019.

In other words, this pavilion was planned, and the funding for its construction approved, long before the start of the pandemic. Something to keep in mind.

Anyway, the White House announced it was finished in a statement today.

“First Lady Melania Trump is pleased to announce the completion of the new White House tennis pavilion,” it said.

“The project included the refurbishment of the White House Tennis Court and Grandchildren’s Garden along with construction of the new building.

“The building and landscape were planned to blend with the existing structures on the White House grounds.

“Design of the structure was inspired by the existing architecture of the White House, in particular the East and West Wings.

“Elements such as the colonnade, parapet wall, and fanlight windows tie the new building to the existing look and feel of the White House.”

Truly fascinating stuff.

The statement also included a couple of quotes from Mrs Trump.

“Thank you to all of the talented craftsmen who made this project possible and to the generous supporters of the White House,” she said.

“It is my hope that this private space will function as both a place of leisure and gathering for future first families.”

According to the White House, the new structure was funded through private donations, in partnership with the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service.

In a Twitter post, Mrs Trump said the tennis court was a “historic landmark”.

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History continues to unfold at the @WhiteHouse & I am pleased to announce the completion of the tennis pavilion. Preserving this historic landmark is vital & I want to thank all who helped complete this project. pic.twitter.com/8NAjbYViS0

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 7, 2020

There was no shortage of sarcasm online in response to Mrs Trump’s announcement.

Many of the replies pointed out the increasingly grim situation America faces in its struggle to contain COVID-19, with new cases and hospitalisations at record levels.

To be more specific, the country is currently averaging 192,000 infections each day, along with 2170 deaths. More than 100,000 Americans are hospitalised.

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Good news—WH just announced today that they just completed the WH Tennis 🎾 Pavilion. WH is so excited that they put out a press release.

How many PPEs, tests, masks, contact tracers, and ICU beds could that have bought instead? #COVID19 https://t.co/zGVpn7mkAG pic.twitter.com/uRLGpvvxcU

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) December 7, 2020

Nothing says compassion for #COVID19 victims like the unveiling of a new tennis pavilion at the White House. #GoodGrief. https://t.co/dvniwn0Xfn

— Jason Villalba (@JasonVillalba) December 7, 2020

The very "woman of the people" Tennis Pavilion Melania had built at the WH is finished, just as she's about to be booted from the building. ::chef kiss:: pic.twitter.com/rTftARhtGH

— Emily C. Singer (@CahnEmily) December 7, 2020

I want to know who used their money to donate to the White House tennis pavilion renovation https://t.co/vM0uFE3C5f

— Laura Bassett (@LEBassett) December 7, 2020

What timing. In this winter of worry, of Covid deaths, here is the statement just released by Melania Trump's office:
First Lady Melania Trump is pleased to announce the completion of the new White House tennis pavilion. (more)

— Mary Jordan (@marycjordan) December 7, 2020

Oh Good, those people in their ICU beds will feel so much better knowing that melania has finished her tennis pavilion. https://t.co/8xuIf4WW8i

— Molly Jong-Fast🏡 (@MollyJongFast) December 7, 2020

And in Hell, Marie Antoinette breathes a sigh of relief. She's off the hook now. (Note: During France's Reign of Terror 40,000 people died. At our current death rate from COVID, more Americans than that die every two weeks. But...tennis anyone?) https://t.co/AgSmKhFO2H

— David Rothkopf (@djrothkopf) December 7, 2020

If this whole backlash sounds familiar to you, there is a reason why.

The same thing happened back at the start of March, when Mrs Trump tweeted photos of herself wearing a hard hat at the construction site.

“I encourage everyone who chooses to be negative and question my work at the White House to take time and contribute something good and productive in their own communities,” the First Lady shot back at the time.

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One of the images Mrs Trump posted in March.

We haven’t seen all that much of Mrs Trump since her husband’s defeat in last month’s election, but she did join him for a political rally in Georgia over the weekend.

She briefly addressed the crowd while introducing the President.

“It is wonderful to be here with you tonight. Thank you for coming out and supporting us,” Mrs Trump said.

“President Trump continues to fight for you every single day. Do not let your voices be silenced.”

Ostensibly, the rally was scheduled so Mr Trump could campaign on behalf of two Republican senators, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.

The pair are facing Democratic challengers in two crucial run-off elections on January 5, which will decide the balance of power in the Senate.

If either Republican wins, Mr Trump’s party will retain its majority in the chamber. Should they both lose, each major party will have 50 senators, and incoming vice president Kamala Harris will hold the tiebreaking vote.

“We must keep our seats in the Senate. It is more important than ever that you exercise your right as an American citizen and vote,” Mrs Trump said.

“Under my husband’s leadership, our borders are safer, global terrorists have been destroyed, and historic peace deals in the Middle East have been made. Our nation is respected again and our allies are now doing their fair share globally.

“President Trump has brought jobs back tot he American people. And opportunities for women have expanded in our workforce. Our economy has soared and unemployment has shrunk.

“When a global pandemic hit the United States last January, my husband put the American people first.

“And now, under this administration and because of our amazing medical capabilities and resources, we are closer than ever to a vaccine that will save millions of lives.

“Let your voices be heard, Georgia. Get out and vote for Senator Loeffler and Senator Perdue.”

The rest of the rally was pretty wild. You can read about it here.