The White House has initiated the demolition of a section of its historic East Wing to pave the way for a new ballroom, a project personally championed by former President Donald Trump. The announcement was made by Trump himself on his Truth Social platform, where he expressed pride in finally realizing a long-held presidential aspiration. “I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” Trump stated, emphasizing that the project is being privately funded. He added, “For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway.
The project, estimated to cost $250 million, has sparked significant controversy, particularly among Democrats. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump’s priorities, posting on X that the former president is focused on “bulldozing the White House” rather than addressing pressing national issues. The East Wing, constructed in 1902, has undergone numerous renovations over the years, including the addition of a second story in 1942. Despite assurances from Trump that the construction would not interfere with the existing structure, the project has raised concerns about the preservation of the White House’s historical integrity.
The ballroom is envisioned as a grand space for hosting state visits, parties, and other significant events, fulfilling a long-standing presidential ambition. However, the project’s high cost and the decision to demolish part of the East Wing have drawn widespread criticism, highlighting the ongoing political divide over Trump’s legacy and priorities.