Demolition Begins on White House East Wing for Trump’s New Ballroom Addition

Demolition Begins on White House East Wing for Trump’s Ambitious Ballroom Project

Washington, D.C. — The sound of heavy machinery echoed through the grounds of the White House as demolition began on the East Wing, marking a significant step in President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to construct a new ballroom. This development comes despite the president’s earlier assurances that the addition would not disrupt the historic structure of the iconic residence.

The Washington Post first reported the demolition, showcasing images of the ongoing work. A pool reporter captured video footage of the East Wing being torn down, a sight that has drawn both curiosity and concern from the public.

During a celebratory event with the Louisiana State University baseball team on Monday, President Trump confirmed the construction, stating, “You know we’re building — right behind us — we’re building a ballroom.” He acknowledged the construction noise, adding, “Right on the other side, you have a lot of construction going on, which you might hear periodically.”

The president had previously hinted at the project in September, although no demolition had taken place at that time. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a social media post from Trump announcing that “ground has been broken” for the “new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom.”

In his post, Trump emphasized the historical significance of the ballroom, stating, “For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American taxpayer!”

The East Wing, which houses the first lady’s office and staff, is relatively small, and Trump has assured that the new construction will not interfere with the existing building. “It won’t be. It’ll be near it but not touching it — and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” he stated in July.

The project, estimated to cost $250 million, is fully funded by private contributions from major corporations, including Apple, Microsoft, and Coinbase. Earlier this month, donors had the opportunity to dine with Trump at the White House, further solidifying their commitment to the project.

Originally planned to span 90,000 square feet, the ballroom’s size is expected to increase, with a new capacity target of 999 guests, up from the initial estimate of 650. Trump has also announced that the ballroom will feature bulletproof glass windows on all sides, ensuring the safety of its high-profile visitors.

As the demolition continues, the nation watches closely, eager to see how this ambitious project unfolds and what it will mean for the future of the White House.