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Trump Administration Begins Demolition of White House East Wing for New BallroomOn October 20, 2025, construction crews started demolishing portions of the White House's East Wing to make way for President Donald Trump's proposed 90,000-square-foot "state ballroom," a project estimated to cost between $200 million and $250 million and funded entirely by private donors, including Trump himself. The East Wing, built in 1942 and historically used for first ladies' offices and staff, is being partially torn down despite Trump's earlier assurances in July 2025 that the addition would not "interfere" with the existing structure or touch the historic building.

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Key Details of the ProjectScope: The ballroom will feature glass walls with views of the Washington Monument, capacity for up to 999 guests, and connections to the East Room via a "knockout panel." It aims to expand entertaining space beyond the East Room's 200-person limit. Trump described it on Truth Social as fulfilling a 150-year presidential dream for such a venue, calling it "big, beautiful" and emphasizing zero taxpayer cost.

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Demolition Observed: Eyewitness reports from journalists (including CNN, BBC, and The Washington Post) captured excavators ripping through the roof, interior walls, covered entryways, and facade. Heavy machinery, some flagged with U.S. flags, was visible from nearby areas like the Treasury Department park.

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 Photos and videos show chunks of the structure being pulled down, with work ongoing as of October 21.

Timeline and Relocation: First ladies' offices are temporarily relocated during construction. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the East Wing would be "fully modernized" but initially claimed "nothing will be torn down."

fortune.com

 Trump referenced the work during an East Room event with college baseball champions on October 20.

Funding and Design: Privately funded, the ballroom draws inspiration from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, with gilded elements. Renderings show it expanding the White House's eastern side.

Controversy and CriticismsThe project has drawn sharp backlash for altering a historic landmark without full federal oversight:Historic Preservation Concerns: The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and American Institute of Architects have raised alarms, noting it's the first major exterior change since 1942. Critics, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, called it a "significant change" requiring rigorous review; the NCPC claims no jurisdiction over federal property demolition.

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Ethics Issues: Watchdogs question private funding as potential influence-peddling by corporations seeking access. Treasury employees were warned via email not to photograph the site, citing security risks.

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Public Reaction on X: Recent posts express outrage, with users labeling it "tearing down history to entertain oligarchs," accusing Trump of lying about non-interference, and sharing demolition images.

Videos circulating show the excavators in action.

This fits into Trump's broader White House renovations, including flagpoles, a repaved Rose Garden, and gold Oval Office decor.

cnn.com

 The project is expected to take years, with the ballroom set to host state events and grand parties upon completion.