On Wednesday, demolition activities continued at the White House as preparations for President Donald Trump's ambitious $250 million ballroom project ramped up. However, the scope of the renovation extends far beyond the ballroom itself. Initially, Trump had assured the public back in July that the new ballroom would be constructed adjacent to the existing structure without any direct contact. Yet, a White House official confirmed to ABC News that the entire East Wing is undergoing a significant modernization effort.
The extensive demolition was first reported by The Washington Post, which shared new images on Tuesday depicting bulldozers dismantling much of the East Wing. This area, previously home to the First Lady's Office and the White House Military Office, is seeing a dramatic transformation. To shield the demolition from public view, a taller seven-foot fence has been erected around the site.
A White House representative stated that the modernization of the East Wing, constructed in 1902 and 1942, is essential to facilitate the ballroom project and create a future home for the East Wing's operations. The official noted that the project's scope and scale have always been subject to change as the renovation process evolves.
In anticipation of the demolition, the Office of the First Lady and other components of the East Wing have already been relocated within the White House complex and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. A White House official confirmed that the First Lady's office and staff were moved over a month ago to prepare for the ongoing demolition.
President Trump has long sought to construct a ballroom at the White House reminiscent of the one at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. This summer, plans for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom were revealed, with Trump stating that the funding would come from himself and unnamed donors. However, the administration has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific funding sources, raising ethical and legal concerns.
Earlier this week, Trump indicated that upon completion, guests would be able to walk directly from the White House East Room to the ballroom, suggesting that the construction will indeed impact the existing structure—contrary to his previous claims.
The ongoing construction has sparked a wave of criticism. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton weighed in on the situation via social media, stating, "It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it." Additionally, the National Trust for Historic Preservation expressed concerns in a letter to White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf, urging a pause in demolition activities. They emphasized the need for a review of the proposed plans, citing worries that the new construction would overwhelm the historical aesthetic of the White House.
Dr. Carol Quillen, president of the trust, wrote that while a larger meeting space is beneficial, the proposed ballroom’s mass and height could disrupt the classical design balance of the White House, which currently spans 55,000 square feet. They called for public consultation and adherence to the required review processes before further demolition occurs.
The White House Historical Association has voiced its commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the East Wing. Through a comprehensive digital scanning project and photography, they aim to maintain a historic record of the East Wing and its gardens. A White House official confirmed that all historical elements from the East Wing have been preserved and stored under the supervision of the White House Executive Residence and the National Park Service, with support from the Historical Association.
In a press release, the White House defended the renovation and construction of the ballroom, describing it as a bold addition that reflects the storied history of improvements made by past presidents. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during an appearance on Fox News, labeled the backlash as "fake outrage" and reiterated that previous presidents have also made changes to the White House.
Leavitt emphasized Trump's expertise in construction, stating, "He is the builder-in-chief... At the end, the East Wing will be more modern and beautiful than ever, along with the addition of a grand ballroom for future generations." However, reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that employees at the nearby Treasury Department have been instructed not to share images of the demolition.
During a lunch hosted for Senate Republicans on Tuesday at his newly renovated Rose Garden Club, Trump celebrated the progress of the ballroom project, stating, "You hear that? Oh, that’s music to my ears. I love that sound." While some may oppose the changes, Trump seems resolute in moving forward with his vision for the White House.
