Construction crews have started demolishing parts of the White House East Wing as work begins on President Donald Trump’s ambitious $250 million ballroom project. The president has described the addition as a “much-needed” space for grand events and state visits but the move has drawn criticism from preservationists and historians.
Massive sections of the East Wing’s covered entryway and several windows were torn down Monday as the area undergoes what Trump called a “full modernization.” In a July statement, he emphasized that the ballroom would be “near” the existing structure, not directly attached to it, and would “fully respect” the White House’s classical design.
Trump announced the groundbreaking in a social media post, saying the project is being privately funded by “generous patriots,” though the identities of these donors remain undisclosed. The East Wing, first built in 1902 and last modified in 1942, houses offices for the First Lady and White House social staff.
Critics, including the Society of Architectural Historians and the American Institute of Architects, have voiced concern over the project’s speed and lack of transparency. Robert K Sutton, former chief historian of the National Park Service, warned that the White House’s historical integrity could be compromised if proper review procedures are bypassed.
Plans show a grand ballroom capable of hosting between 600 and 900 guests, complete with gold chandeliers and opulent finishes — in keeping with Trump’s signature style. The project is being led by Clark Construction and McCrery Architects, with input from the Secret Service on security enhancements.
While presidents from Truman to Obama have altered the White House, historians note that this marks the first major exterior change in more than 80 years. As Sutton cautioned, “The White House is the People’s House its preservation should transcend any one presidency.”
