East Wing Demolition Underway for Trump’s $300M Ballroom Project
UPDATE: Demolition of the White House’s historic East Wing has officially begun as part of President Donald Trump‘s ambitious plan to construct a new $300 million ballroom. Photos taken just yesterday show crews actively dismantling the facade, marking a significant transformation of the iconic residence.
This urgent renovation, which commenced on October 21, 2025, aims to replace the East Wing with a lavish 90,000-square-foot ballroom capable of accommodating 650 guests. The East Wing, first established in 1902 and later expanded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942, has served various functions, including housing the Office of the First Lady since 1977.
As bulldozers move in, the White House has described the renovation as “a bold, necessary addition” that aligns with the historical evolution of the residence. Trump’s modifications, which have already included lavish furnishings and alterations to the Rose Garden, represent the most extensive changes in decades.
The new ballroom, larger than the entire Executive Residence, is designed to host significant events without the need for outdoor tents, which have been a requirement for larger gatherings in the past. The East Room, currently the largest space available, can only accommodate 200 people.
In a statement released yesterday, Trump reiterated that the entire East Wing’s demolition was essential for the project, emphasizing, “In order to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure.” This shift has drawn mixed reactions from various stakeholders.
“We respectfully urge the Administration and the National Park Service to pause demolition until plans for the proposed ballroom go through the legally required public review processes,” stated the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Critics, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, voiced their concerns on social media, arguing that Trump’s actions are damaging a national landmark. Clinton posted, “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it,” highlighting the emotional stakes tied to the historic site.
Funding for the new ballroom will reportedly come from Trump and various donors, including major corporations like Amazon and Google, as well as political figures such as former Senator Kelly Loeffler.
As demolition progresses, the White House continues to face scrutiny regarding the architectural implications of the new structure, with calls for a public review still echoing in the halls of political discourse. The administration’s response to the backlash has been to label it as “manufactured outrage” from critics.
What’s next? With demolition now in full swing, attention turns to how this project will unfold and what it means for the future of the White House. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
