Trump Orders Demolition of White House East Wing to Build $250 Million Ballroom Despite Backlash
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the entire East Wing of the White House will be demolished to make way for a new $250 million (£186 million) ballroom, a project that has sparked nationwide controversy and divided opinion among historians, preservationists, and politicians.
A Bold Move to Redesign a National Landmark
On Monday, construction crews began tearing down parts of the East Wing, which has stood since 1902. According to two senior administration officials who spoke to CBS News, the entire structure will be gone by the end of the week, marking one of the most ambitious—and controversial—renovations in White House history.
The move expands significantly on the initial renovation plans announced by Trump over the summer. At the time, he had assured the public that the ballroom addition would not interfere with the existing building. However, the new plan involves a complete teardown and reconstruction.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump defended the decision, calling it “necessary modernization.”
“I think we’ve been more transparent than anyone’s ever been,” Trump said. “The building has gone through many changes over the years—it’s very, very different from what it was originally.”
A Modern Ballroom for State Events
The new 90,000-square-foot (8,360 sq m) ballroom is expected to host state dinners, diplomatic receptions, and other major events, with Trump calling it a “world-class space that America deserves.”
Trump said he has long envisioned the addition, describing it as “a symbol of American excellence.” He noted that the East Wing had been “very much changed from what it was originally” and suggested the redesign was overdue.
“It was never thought of as being much,” Trump said. “People have wanted these changes for at least 150 years.”
The president added that the project is being privately funded by himself and “some friends—great donors.” He also confirmed that the U.S. military is involved in overseeing parts of the construction for security and logistics reasons.
A Controversial Expansion on Sacred Ground
The East Wing is one of the most historically significant parts of the White House, housing offices for the First Lady, her staff, and spaces for meetings and special events. The last major alteration to the East Wing occurred in 1942, when it was expanded to accommodate additional wartime offices.
Historians say demolishing it altogether would erase over a century of architectural and cultural heritage. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Washington-based non-profit dedicated to protecting historic American landmarks, expressed alarm over the project.
In a formal letter to White House officials, the Trust said it was “deeply concerned” and urged the president to pause demolition until a full public review could be conducted.
“The White House is not only the home of the sitting president—it’s a national historic landmark that belongs to the American people,” the organization wrote.
Despite the outcry, Trump dismissed concerns about historic preservation, saying that the new design would be “a respectful modernization that honors the past while looking to the future.”
Political and Public Reactions
The project has drawn sharp criticism from Trump’s political opponents, including Hillary Clinton, his former 2016 election rival.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Clinton accused Trump of treating the White House like one of his private properties.
“The White House is not Trump’s house,” she wrote. “He’s destroying it.”
Democratic lawmakers have also demanded greater transparency around the demolition plans, arguing that no public consultation or congressional oversight has been conducted.
Others within Trump’s Republican Party, however, have defended the project as a necessary update to modernize security, technology, and event infrastructure within the White House complex.
Trump Defends Transparency and Vision
Responding to critics who accused him of concealing the true scale of the demolition, Trump said the administration had been “completely open” about the project.
“When I hear that sound of construction, it reminds me of progress—and money,” Trump joked earlier this week while addressing Republican senators at the White House.
He emphasized that the ballroom will serve as a lasting legacy and a venue for “the most beautiful state dinners, events, and celebrations the world has ever seen.”
“It’s going to be stunning—something every American will be proud of,” Trump said.
He also noted that the East Wing was “completely separate” from the White House, suggesting its removal would not compromise the integrity of the main presidential residence.
Officials Cite Security and Infrastructure Needs
According to senior administration officials, the decision to demolish rather than renovate was based on structural and security concerns identified during planning. The East Wing’s infrastructure reportedly no longer met modern safety or technological requirements.
Officials told CBS that during planning, it became clear that a full rebuild was more cost-effective than renovation. The new structure will reportedly include state-of-the-art security systems, updated communication infrastructure, and emergency shelters beneath the ballroom.
The project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete, with construction teams working around the clock to ensure minimal disruption to White House operations.
Preservationists Sound the Alarm
Despite these assurances, historians and preservationists remain skeptical. Experts warn that demolishing such a historically rich part of the White House sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
Dr. Elaine Porter, a historian specializing in U.S. presidential architecture, called the move “the most drastic alteration to the White House in modern history.”
“Every president has left their mark—but this isn’t a renovation; it’s an erasure,” she said. “The East Wing represents more than offices—it symbolizes a century of American history.”
Others fear that demolishing the wing could diminish the White House’s value as a national symbol and tourist attraction.
A Legacy Project Amid Criticism
For Trump, however, the project is deeply personal. As a former real estate developer, he has often spoken about architecture and construction with passion, describing building projects as a “creative expression” of leadership.
“This is about restoring greatness,” Trump said. “When people walk into that ballroom, they’ll see strength, beauty, and pride in our country.”
The administration insists the new ballroom will ultimately enhance the White House’s role as the seat of American democracy and diplomacy.
Still, with construction crews dismantling the East Wing and preservationists calling for intervention, the debate over the future of America’s most famous residence shows no signs of slowing down.