The White House Family Theater, a historic movie venue cherished by U.S. presidents for over eight decades, was demolished this week to make way for a new ballroom under the Trump administration, ending an era of presidential entertainment. Former President Bill Clinton famously dubbed it the “best perk” of the job, highlighting its cultural significance.
Converted from a cloakroom in 1942 during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, the theater initially served as a space for watching World War II newsreels, with Roosevelt emphasizing entertainment as “indispensable in wartime.” Over the years, it evolved into a private screening room for presidents and their families, hosting everything from films and sporting events to speech rehearsals, symbolizing a blend of leisure and official duty.
The theater underwent several renovations, most recently in 2004 under First Lady Laura Bush, when it was redesigned with an all-red decor, gold molding, and dark wood trim, seating about 40 to 42 people. Its intimate, shoe-box-shaped auditorium featured plush seating and served as a retreat for presidents to unwind and connect with popular culture, away from the pressures of office.
Many presidents were avid film enthusiasts; Bill Clinton praised the theater in a 1999 interview, noting how people sent him movies regularly. Jimmy Carter screened over 400 films during his term, starting with “All the President’s Men,” while Ronald Reagan hosted screenings like “E.T.” with guests including Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and astronauts. Barack Obama enjoyed diverse selections from “Selma” to “Star Wars Rogue One.”
Not all screenings went smoothly; Carter unintentionally showed the X-rated “Midnight Cowboy” one Christmas, and Lyndon B. Johnson was known to sleep through movies. The theater also had lighter moments, such as Reagan joking about “E.T.” being “absolutely true” without smiling, eliciting laughter from attendees.
The demolition is part of a broader effort to destroy the White House’s East Wing, which also housed the First Lady’s office and a colonnade, to construct a $300 million ballroom. This move reflects shifting presidential priorities toward grand public spaces, though it has raised concerns about erasing historical landmarks.
Experts like Matt Lambros, author on historic theaters, expressed dismay, calling the destruction “bulldozing a piece of American history.” While there are unconfirmed reports that a new theater might be rebuilt as part of the redevelopment, the White House has not provided details, leaving the future of presidential movie screenings uncertain.
This event underscores the evolving nature of the White House as a symbol of American culture, balancing preservation with modernization under different administrations.