Last month, crews demolished parts of the White House East Wing, a structure that had stood for over 120 years, as part of Donald Trump's plan to build a new ballroom. The demolition, which included the East Wing and East Colonnade, was authorised by First Lady Melania Trump, according to sources. The new ballroom will be able to host nearly 1,000 guests and will replace the existing structures.
The project has drawn criticism from preservationists, including Dr Carol Quillen of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who expressed concern that the new 90,000-square-foot building would overwhelm the 55,000-square-foot White House residence. Despite her letter requesting a pause for public review, demolition proceeded within days.
Historic artefacts from the demolished building have been preserved and stored by the White House curator, and the White House Historical Association conducted a digital scanning project to create a historic record. The demolition, captured in images of heavy machinery knocking down the 1902-built structure, surprised and angered many Americans, especially as Trump had previously stated the work would not damage the existing structure.
Trump defended the demolition, saying it was necessary 'to do it properly' after extensive study with top architects. He claimed the ballroom, which he estimates will cost $300 million, is a dream of every president for over 150 years and will be 'the most beautiful ballroom anywhere in the world.' The administration argues it will eliminate the need for a large tent for events, with a former White House chef noting the difficulties of catering outdoors.
The project is funded by Trump himself and donors including Amazon, Google, Meta, and several billionaire investors, raising concerns among legal experts about potential access-for-payment issues. Trump expects completion before the end of his term, as he continues to reshape the White House in his image, following an Oval Office makeover featuring gold accents and ornate furnishings.
