White House Begins Demolition of East Wing for President Trump’s $250 Million Ballroom

Construction work has begun at the White House’s East Wing, marking the start of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new $250 million ballroom project. Heavy machinery was seen tearing down parts of the covered entryway and windows on Monday as crews began what Trump has described as a “full modernization” of the East Wing.

According to the president, the new ballroom will be built adjacent to the existing structure without altering it. “It won’t interfere with the current building… it pays total respect to the existing building, which I love,” Trump said in July.

Trump announced the project in a social media post, declaring that “ground has been broken” on what he called a “much-needed ballroom space.” He added that “for more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a ballroom at the White House to accommodate grand parties and State Visits.”

The president also said the project is privately funded by ‘generous Patriots’, though the White House has yet to release the identities of the donors.

🏗️ Controversy and Concerns Over Preservation

The East Wing, constructed in 1902 and last modified in 1942, is part of the White House complex managed by the National Park Service (NPS). However, the president has broad authority over renovations.

Former NPS Chief Historian Robert K. Sutton expressed concern over the project’s transparency, saying,

“This building is the most important executive structure in the world — yet we just don’t know what’s happening, and that’s very inappropriate.”

Sutton added that the usual NPS review process—which involves architectural vetting, historical review, and cost evaluation—has not been fully followed. Reports suggest the ballroom could host between 600 and 900 guests.

Design sketches released by the White House show a lavish interior featuring gold chandeliers and expansive seating, reflecting Trump’s signature opulent style. The project is being led by Clark Construction with designs by McCrery Architects, whose head, Jim McCrery, said he was “honored” to help preserve “the elegance of the People’s House.”

🏛️ Criticism from Preservationists

The Society of Architectural Historians and the American Institute of Architects have both criticized the project, citing concerns about altering the building’s historic exterior for the first time in 83 years. The societies called for a transparent and deliberate design review process, warning that such a drastic change could undermine the White House’s architectural legacy.

Sutton echoed these sentiments, warning that the project might prioritize Trump’s personal aesthetic over the nation’s heritage. “It’s always been called the People’s House,” he said.

🏠 A Tradition of Presidential Modifications

While Trump’s renovation has stirred controversy, past presidents have also reshaped the White House to suit their needs.

Barack Obama converted the tennis court into a basketball court.

Richard Nixon transformed Franklin D. Roosevelt’s indoor swimming pool into the White House Press Room, which remains in use today.

Gerald Ford added an outdoor swimming pool in 1975.

Harry Truman oversaw a complete reconstruction of the White House from 1948 to 1952, during which he and his family lived elsewhere.

Despite the ongoing debate, Trump’s ballroom project will mark the first major external change to the White House in over eight decades, symbolizing both modernization and controversy at America’s most iconic residence.