A new 90,000-square-foot ballroom project at the White House, promised by President Donald Trump, has left historicists and preservationists outraged. The massive structure will seat 999 people, dwarfing the original 1792 building designed by architect James Hoban. Contrary to assurances from press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the new design would indeed “torn down” a significant part of the East Wing, including sections of historic steel, stone, and concrete. The project’s ballooning price tag has also raised concerns.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2025/10/23/white-house-east-wing-demolition-trump-architecture