Donald Trump has ordered the demolition of the East Wing facade of the White House to build a $250m ballroom, drawing sharp criticism from historians and former officials who call it an 'abomination' and a symbol of his presidency. The project, which will accommodate up to 999 guests, has been described as 'too big' and 'illegal' due to a lack of approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
The East Wing, which housed the first lady's offices, a theatre and a visitors' entrance, was partially demolished this week, leaving broken masonry and rubble. Elaine Kamarck, a former White House official, said: 'It's typical Trump and it's going to look awful. They're knocking down the entire East Wing of the White House.' Presidential historian Jonathan Alter added: 'It's the perfect symbol of the Trump administration... they've taken a wrecking ball to the rule of law.'
Trump had previously promised that nothing would be demolished during construction, stating in July: 'It will be beautiful. It won't interfere with the current building... and pays total respect to the existing building.' However, renderings show a design similar to the gilded ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has asked for a pause, warning that the 90,000-square-foot ballroom will 'overwhelm the White House itself', which is only 55,000 square feet.
The project is being funded by private donations, but the White House has not released a full list of donors. Trump aides dismiss the backlash as 'manufactured outrage', noting that past presidents have also added to the White House. However, critics argue that the scale and lack of oversight set a dangerous precedent.
