White House begins demolishing part of East Wing for Trump ballroom

October 21, 2025

Construction has begun on President Trump's new $250 million White House ballroom, with parts of the East Wing being demolished. The privately funded project, which Trump claims has been "dreamt about" by presidents for over 150 years, will reportedly be "near" but not directly touching the main White House structure. Critics, including former National Park Service historian Robert K.

Who is affected

The National Park Service (which administers the White House)
Future presidents and generations who will inherit the modified White House
The American public (as it's referred to as "the People's House")
The Society of Architectural Historians and American Institute of Architects (who have expressed concerns)
White House staff and visitors who will use the new facilities

What action is being taken

Construction crews are demolishing parts of the East Wing, including a covered entryway and windows
The White House is being "fully modernised" with the addition of a new ballroom
Clark Construction is heading the project with McCrery Architects designing it
The Secret Service is providing "necessary security enhancements and modifications"
Trump has also made other changes to the White House, including redecorating the Oval Office with gold decor and paving the Rose Garden with concrete

Why it matters

The White House is considered "the most important executive building in the world" with significant historical importance
This represents the first major change to the White House's exterior appearance in 83 years (since 1942)
The project bypasses the typical rigorous review process used for White House modifications
The funding sources remain undisclosed despite the $250 million price tag
The changes will outlive the current administration and impact the historic character of a national landmark

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC