Lil Wayne has backed President Trump’s plan to build a new White House ballroom, arguing that it would provide a more suitable indoor venue for major events and performances. His intervention matters because the proposal has drawn significant criticism over its scale, cost and effect on the historic White House complex, while supporters say the current facilities are inadequate for large functions.

Speaking on the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast, the rapper said entertainers at White House events should not have to perform outside on the lawn and dismissed critics as uninformed. The planned addition is reported to be about 90,000 square feet and would be built on the east side of the White House; opponents have raised concerns about its size, funding and preservation impact.