President Trump’s long-awaited $250 million ballroom project for the White House started demolition on Monday. The 90,000-square-foot structure will nearly double the main building’s footprint and replace parts of the East Wing. Critics argue that Trump’s priorities are not aligned with average Americans, while officials claim the project won’t interfere with the existing White House.
Critics panned the project, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other lawmakers calling it a “disgrace” and likening it to the “Second Gilded Age.” Trump has long touted his plans for a grand ballroom that would accommodate large parties, state visits, and events, despite previous administrations rejecting similar proposals.
The demolition process began on Monday, with officials confirming that parts of the East Wing were being torn down. The project’s timeline was unclear, but officials said construction is expected to begin by September. The National Park Service has expressed concerns about preserving the historic character of the White House and its grounds.
Trump has claimed that his ballroom will seat up to 650 people and pay “total respect” to the existing building. However, critics argue that the project’s high cost and potential impact on the historic structure make it a contentious issue.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/20/white-house-begins-demolishing-east-wing-facade-build-trumps-ballroom