Trump Initiates Demolition of East Wing for New $250 Million Ballroom

The demolition of the White House East Wing has begun as part of President Donald Trump‘s ambitious project to construct a new ballroom, estimated to cost $250 million. Sources familiar with the plans revealed that this renovation will include the destruction of the first lady’s office, along with multiple other workspaces used by staff.

The East Wing, originally built in 1902 and last renovated in 1942, is set for significant reconstruction. While areas such as the family theater, the east colonnade, and Booksellers Hall remain untouched, they may still face alterations as the overall structure is reinforced. Among the offices being removed are those belonging to Melania Trump, which overlook the South Lawn, and spaces utilized by her small staff.

Images of the demolition surfaced on social media, showing construction crews working on-site. The project also impacts the White House visitors’ office, which is responsible for public tours and events, as well as offices for the Office of Legislative Affairs and the White House Military Office. This latter office coordinates transportation and hospitality services for the White House.

As the demolition progresses, staff members have already vacated their offices and relocated to other areas, including the residence and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the west side of the campus. The scale of the ballroom project appears to exceed initial expectations. In July 2023, President Trump stated, “It won’t interfere with the current building,” referring to the historic residence built in the late 1700s.

Trump characterized the East Wing demolition as part of a modernization effort. “Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process, and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete,” he shared on his platform, Truth Social. During a lunch with U.S. senators in the Rose Garden, he remarked on the construction sounds, stating, “Oh, that’s music to my ears, I love that sound.”

The funding for the ballroom has come entirely from private donors, with an expected completion date before the end of Trump’s term. While the White House has not disclosed the amount Trump will personally contribute, he mentioned he may allocate part of his $400,000 presidential salary toward the project.

The ongoing demolition has sparked public debate, particularly as the nation faces economic challenges. Critics have expressed concerns regarding the appropriateness of such expenditures during a time when many citizens are struggling financially. As the project unfolds, it will continue to attract attention both for its scale and its implications for the historic residence.

As the construction continues, the impact of this renovation on the East Wing and the White House at large remains a topic of significant interest and discussion among the public and political commentators alike.