Demolition crews have begun tearing into the East Wing of the White House as construction starts on Donald Trump’s new 90,000-square-foot ballroom — despite the president previously insisting the addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the historic residence.
On Monday, Oct. 20, workers were seen using heavy machinery to pull apart the East Wing structure and its covered entrance, marking the official start of the controversial project. Witnesses told The Washington Post that members of the Secret Service and other officials stood nearby, watching as demolition began.
Noise from the construction could reportedly be heard throughout the White House grounds. According to The Washington Post, Trump had earlier claimed the project would nearly double the footprint of the main building while maintaining respect for the historic architecture.
“It won’t interfere with the current building,” Trump said in July during an executive order signing, per the outlet. “It’ll be near it but not touching it — and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of. It’s my favorite place. I love it.”
When asked if the entire East Wing would be removed, the White House referred reporters to a Truth Social post from Trump.
“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” he wrote, adding that the East Wing, built in 1942, would be “fully modernized” and “more beautiful than ever when it is complete.”
A source told the Post that while demolition began Monday, preservation work on historical objects in the wing had already been underway for several weeks.
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Trump first announced plans for the $200 million expansion on July 31, though The Associated Press later reported the estimated cost had risen to $250 million. The new ballroom, designed to hold around 900 guests, will feature gold chandeliers, coffered ceilings, Greek columns, and grand arched windows — a design reminiscent of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago ballroom.
According to a White House press release, “The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but at the same time, its theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical.” The release noted the site of the new structure would replace “the small, heavily changed, and reconstructed East Wing.”
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Trump has said he’s long wanted a space larger than the East Room to host major gatherings. During a September fundraiser, he boasted that the project — which he and private donors are reportedly funding — would be “an absolutely magnificent structure.”
“They’ve been trying to get [a ballroom] for about 150 years,” Trump said. “And it’s going to be a beauty.”
In addition to the ballroom, renovations have introduced Mar-a-Lago’s signature yellow-and-white umbrellas to the former Rose Garden patio and more gold-accented décor throughout the White House interior.
While no official completion date has been shared, the administration’s release promised the ballroom would open “long before the end of President Trump’s term.”
