Trump demolishes part of White House for new ballroom

In a bold move that underscores his penchant for grandeur, former U.S. President Donald Trump has commenced a significant renovation project at the White House, involving the demolition of part of the historic East Wing to make way for a lavish $250 million ballroom. The East Wing, traditionally housing the offices of U.S. first ladies, began its transformation on Monday, with construction crews tearing down sections of the structure. Trump, known for his unorthodox approach, announced the project during a gathering with college baseball players at the White House, emphasizing the modernization of the East Wing as part of the process. The new 90,000-square-foot ballroom, designed to accommodate up to 1,000 guests, aims to host large state dinners and events, addressing the current limitations of temporary tent setups. Funded privately by prominent American companies and individuals, including tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Meta, as well as defense contractor Lockheed Martin, the project represents the most substantial addition to the White House in over a century. Trump’s vision for the ballroom, coupled with his earlier renovations such as the gold-decorated Oval Office and the redesigned Rose Garden, reflects his commitment to leaving a lasting architectural legacy. The project has sparked both admiration and controversy, with critics questioning the necessity and scale of the changes to a national landmark.