President Donald Trump begins demolition of East Wing for new ballroom

The White House has begun major renovations under President Donald Trump’s direction

The White House initiated the demolition of parts of its East Wing on Monday, kicking off construction on a new ballroom backed by President Donald Trump.

Construction crews were seen tearing into the façade and windows of the building, which traditionally houses the first lady’s office.

According to administration officials, the project, estimated at roughly $250 million, is being financed through private donations and is expected to result in a 90,000-square-foot event space with capacity for hundreds of guests.

Trump has described the ballroom as a long-overdue addition to the White House.

JUST IN: The White House has begun DEMOLISHING portions of the East Wing of the White House to build Trump’s $250 million ballroom — despite earlier claiming it wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing White House structure. (Washington Post) pic.twitter.com/qVUzEajM8j

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) October 20, 2025

Despite earlier assertions that the new build would not interfere with the existing structure, observers noted active demolition of the East Wing’s historic features, prompting concern among preservationists and some Democratic lawmakers.

White House officials maintain the work will modernize the East Wing and support large-scale events that currently exceed the capacity of the historic East Room.

Trump said the new space would pay “total respect to the existing building.”