On Tuesday, one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to historic preservation called on the Trump administration to halt the ongoing demolition of the White House East Wing. Excavators began tearing into the structure this week to prepare for President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to construct a new ballroom. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-profit organization established by Congress to safeguard historic buildings, expressed their concerns in a letter directed to the National Park Service and two commissions within the administration.
The proposed addition of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom has raised alarms among preservationists, who believe it could drastically alter the aesthetic balance of the White House. The National Trust emphasized that this expansion would “overwhelm the White House itself,” which comprises only 55,000 square feet. They warned that such a significant alteration could permanently disrupt the carefully crafted classical design that characterizes the iconic residence.
The ongoing demolition sparked a strong reaction from the preservation community, especially as images emerged showing the East Wing facade being reduced to rubble. The work continued on Tuesday, with the sounds of rhythmic pounding and loud crashes echoing across the expansive 18-acre White House campus. In an unexpected twist, President Trump commented on the demolition during a lunch with Republican senators in the Rose Garden, stating, “You hear that sound? That’s music to my ears; I love that sound.”
Trump has asserted that the $200 million project will be entirely funded through private donations. The East Wing, currently under demolition, includes the suite of offices typically utilized by the First Lady, along with spaces for White House calligraphers, military aides, and the social secretary. Staff members from these departments have already been relocated within the White House complex as the work progresses.
The East Wing has served as the primary entrance for visitors attending social events and touring the White House since its current form was established in 1942. Although President Trump announced his plans for the new ballroom months ago, the demolition appears to have proceeded without a thorough public review process, raising further concerns about transparency.
In their letter, the National Trust for Historic Preservation respectfully urged the administration to pause the demolition until the ballroom plans undergo the legally required public review process. This would include consultations and reviews by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, as well as inviting public commentary. The Trust emphasized that these processes are essential for ensuring transparency and public engagement, values that have historically guided the preservation of the White House.
The National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts have previously reviewed proposed additions to the White House, including modifications to the perimeter fence and the construction of a new tennis pavilion in recent years. Will Scharf, the current chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission and Trump’s staff secretary, stated last month that while the commission’s jurisdiction covers construction, it does not extend to demolition, indicating that the commission would only become involved once the East Wing demolition is completed.
The National Trust is not alone in its concerns. Prior to the demolition, the Society of Architectural Historians released a statement advocating for a thorough review process for such a significant change to a historic building. They emphasized that any alterations to the White House should undergo a rigorous design and review process to preserve its integrity.
The White House has yet to respond to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s letter. However, earlier on Tuesday, officials shared a list of previous construction projects at the executive mansion, suggesting that the ballroom addition is part of an ongoing tradition of improvements to the building. A statement from the administration characterized the criticism as “manufactured outrage” from “unhinged leftists and their Fake News allies,” framing the ballroom as a necessary enhancement that aligns with the historical renovations made by past presidents to maintain the White House as a symbol of American excellence.
