The White House has resumed its public tours in time for the Christmas season, but visitors are experiencing a significantly altered route following the demolition of the East Wing and construction of a new ballroom. Tourists now enter through a different door and are limited to the State Floor, including the East Room, the Green, Blue and Red Rooms, the State Dining Room, the Cross Hall and the Grand Foyer.
The Red Room has become a focal point, decorated with more than 10,000 blue butterflies. The display symbolises transformation and is linked to First Lady Melania Trump's "Be Best" initiative and its "Fostering the Future" component, which supports young people in foster care.
Visitors have expressed mixed reactions. Amiah Henry, a student from Louisiana, said the tour was "significantly longer" last year and that she was sad not to see the East Wing, which she described as her favourite part. The ground floor rooms, including the China and Vermeil Rooms, are now off-limits, partly because some displaced staff are using them as temporary offices.
Others were more optimistic. Kevin Heins, a retired law enforcement and military veteran from South Carolina, said the ballroom would ultimately add value, allowing events to be hosted without waiting outside in tents. "I just think that, with our country, we should have something nice to host events at the White House," he said.
Tours had been suspended in September because of the construction, which included the levelling of the East Wing in October. Work on the ballroom is ongoing, and construction noise could be heard during the visit.
