The demolition of the East Wing of the White House has sparked outrage among many who saw it as a cherished part of American history. The wing, which was once the first lady’s domain and hosted numerous social events, is being torn down to make way for a sprawling golden ballroom that President Donald Trump has long coveted. Author Kate Andersen Brower notes that while modernizations are common during presidential terms, the scale and scope of this demolition are unprecedented.
The East Wing was originally built in 1902 as a carriage entrance and later became a practical space due to its underground bunker construction during World War II. It was always considered a “soft power” wing, focused on social events rather than policy debates. Many notable presidents have used the wing for private moments, including watching movies and attending Super Bowls.
Despite Trump’s claims that the new ballroom will be a monument to the country’s greatness, many are mourning the loss of this beloved White House space. The White House has stated that historic artifacts from the East Wing will be preserved, but it’s unclear how much of its history will be lost.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/10/26/politics/white-house-east-wing-history