Demolition Begins on East Wing of White House to Make Way for Trump’s $250 Million Ballroom Project
Former Congressman Slams East Wing Overhaul as ‘Complete Desecration’ Amid Reports of Ongoing Demolition
 |
| Last week, Donald Trump was seen observing the White House construction site where a new ballroom is underway. |
Demolition work is underway on a section of the White House’s East Wing as construction crews begin clearing space for a planned ballroom backed by Donald Trump — a move that has sparked widespread backlash across social media and political circles. One former member of Congress went so far as to condemn the project as an “utter desecration.
The Washington Post, citing two eyewitnesses and publishing photos of the site, reported Monday that demolition had begun, including an image showing active construction and sections of the East Wing’s exterior torn away.
 |
Additional photos, including those published by the New York Post, also depict portions of the East Wing being torn down. The White House declined to comment when contacted by The Guardian. Meanwhile, on Monday, Donald Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform that “ground has been broken on the White House” for the construction of the new ballroom.
 |
| On Monday in Washington, D.C., heavy machinery was seen dismantling a portion of the White House’s East Wing. |
Earlier that day, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., honoring the NCAA champion Louisiana State University baseball team, Trump spoke briefly about the construction, calling it “the most beautiful ballroom in the country.”
“I didn’t expect to be standing here today, because just on the other side of this, there’s a lot of construction happening — which you might hear from time to time,” he said.
Plans for the $250 million ballroom — reportedly one of the most ambitious renovations to the White House in over a century — first surfaced in July. At the time, press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the new space would cover 90,000 square feet (approximately 8,300 square meters) and accommodate up to 650 guests. According to officials, the project is being funded by Trump and a group of unnamed private donors.
 |
| White House Ballroom Construction in Full Swing |
Speaking about the renovation back in July, Trump remarked: “For 150 years, they’ve wanted to have a ballroom at the White House.” He added: “There’s never been a president who was good at ballrooms. I’m good at building things — and we’re going to build quickly and finish on time. It’ll be beautiful, top-of-the-line.”
Reports in August indicated that construction would begin in September, with completion expected before the end of Trump’s second term in January 2029.
According to The Washington Post, Trump also stated that the new structure would not interfere with the existing White House. “It’ll be near it but not touching it — and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” he said during an executive order signing in July. “It’s my favorite. It’s my favorite place. I love it.”
 |
| Demolition of part of the East Wing has begun in Washington, D.C., marking the first phase of construction for a new White House ballroom. |
Earlier this month, Trump hosted a private dinner at the White House for donors backing the construction of the new ballroom. During the gathering, he reportedly pulled back the East Room curtains to give guests a direct view of the ongoing work. He told attendees the upcoming venue would include bulletproof glass, hold up to 1,000 people, and be equipped to host a full presidential inauguration.
Among those in attendance were representatives from major corporations, including Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Palantir, and Lockheed Martin.
Despite the high-profile support, Trump’s renovation plans have drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and sparked widespread debate across social media platforms.
Democratic Congressman Mark Takano of California introduced legislation aimed at halting any White House construction or renovation during a government shutdown—unless the work is deemed essential for health or safety. The proposal comes as the government shutdown reached its 20th day on Monday.
Criticism of Trump’s $250 million ballroom project has intensified. Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh condemned the construction as an “utter desecration.” Reacting to images of the East Wing being torn down, Walsh posted on X: “If I ran for president in 2028, I’d run on taking a bulldozer to Trump’s ballroom… I’d invite the American people one weekend to bring their own sledgehammers and crowbars to the White House to help tear that abomination down.”
Others echoed the outrage. Human rights attorney Qasim Rashid wrote: “Wealth and income inequality is at record highs in America, but glad we’re spending $250 million on a vanity project.”
> Thune Says Trump’s Controversial Pick for Whistleblower Office Is Doomed: ‘He’s Not Going to Pass’
> AI Deepfake Targets Mike Johnson in Bizarre “Poop-Smeared” Revenge Clip That Sparks Online Mockery
0 Comments