Demolition crews began tearing down sections of the White House East Wing on October 20, 2025, to make way for a new ballroom championed by President Donald Trump. The $200-250 million project, privately funded, aims to create a grand event space that Trump says will modernize the executive mansion while preserving its historical integrity.
Workers used excavators and other heavy machinery to dismantle the covered entryway and parts of the facade, with concrete debris and metal cables visible from the south grounds. Trump announced the start of construction on social media, stating that the East Wing is being fully modernized and that the ballroom would be separate from the main White House structure. He emphasized that the addition pays total respect to the existing building, which he described as his favorite place, and noted that it has been a long-standing desire for over 150 years to have such a space for state visits and grand parties.
The ballroom, designed by McCrery Architects and constructed by Clark Construction, is projected to host up to 999 people, with a seated capacity of 650—more than triple the space of the current largest event area, the East Room. Renderings released by the White House depict a lavish interior with gold chandeliers, Corinthian columns, a coffered ceiling with gold inlays, and a checkered marble floor, all intended to align with the neoclassical style of the historic building. Trump has asserted that the design will be appropriate in color and window shape, avoiding overly modern elements that might clash with the traditional architecture.
However, the project has sparked criticism from architectural historians and preservation groups due to the lack of a transparent review process. Robert Sutton, former chief historian of the National Park Service, expressed concerns that the changes are being rushed without the rigorous evaluation typically required for such significant alterations to a landmark. The Society of Architectural Historians and the American Institute of Architects have called for greater oversight, noting that this marks the first major exterior change to the White House since the East Wing was built in its current form in 1942.
Historically, presidents have made various modifications to the White House, such as Harry Truman’s complete reconstruction in the 1950s after structural weaknesses were discovered, and Barack Obama’s conversion of the tennis court for basketball. Other examples include Richard Nixon’s transformation of the indoor swimming pool into the Press Room and Gerald Ford’s addition of an outdoor pool. These changes often involved extensive planning and public scrutiny, contrasting with the current project’s accelerated timeline.
Trump’s tenure has seen other personal touches to the White House, including redecorating the Oval Office with gold accents and paving over the Rose Garden grass to add tables and chairs. These alterations reflect his signature style and desire to leave a lasting legacy on the presidential residence. Supporters argue that such updates are necessary for modernization, while critics worry they may prioritize personal aesthetics over historical preservation.
The construction is expected to be completed before the end of Trump’s term, with the Secret Service overseeing security enhancements. As work progresses, it will likely continue to fuel debates about presidential authority, the balance between innovation and preservation, and the symbolic importance of the White House as the People’s House. The outcome may set a precedent for future renovations and how leaders shape the nation’s most iconic executive building.