The White House East Wing is set to be demolished “within days”, Trump administration officials confirmed on Wednesday, despite the absence of formal plans submitted to the federal agency overseeing construction on federal buildings. The demolition has drawn fierce criticism, with the National Trust for Historic Preservation stating that public review is “legally required”.
Speaking in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump described the East Wing as “a very small building” and justified its removal, saying, “In order to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure.” He unveiled a model of a new 90,000 sq ft golden ballroom, connected to the White House by a “glass bridge”. Trump claimed the ballroom would be “the finest ever built” and is “being paid for 100% by me and some friends of mine”.
The New York Times, citing a senior administration official, reported that demolition should be finished by this weekend. However, plans have yet to be sent to the National Capital Planning Commission, which typically approves construction on federal land. White House officials insist demolition does not require the commission’s approval, but Will Scharf, the Trump-appointed commission head, noted in September that only the commission can approve new construction.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation voiced alarm in a letter, warning that the proposed ballroom’s height could “overwhelm the White House itself” and disrupt the classical design. The group urged a pause, citing legal requirements for public review. Critics also noted that Trump previously claimed the new structure would not affect the existing building.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the backlash as “fake outrage”, stating that Trump is “the builder-in-chief” and was re-elected in part for his ability to “build things”. The administration confirmed that permits for vertical construction would be submitted “at the appropriate time”.
