White House Demolishes East Wing for Trump’s New $250M Ballroom

UPDATE: The White House has officially commenced demolition of the East Wing today, October 20, 2025, to pave the way for President Donald Trump’s ambitious new ballroom project, which carries a staggering price tag of $250 million. Dramatic images reveal construction crews tearing into the East Wing’s façade, a site watched closely by reporters from nearby parks.

This urgent development follows Trump’s announcement during a visit from the 2025 college baseball champions, Louisiana State University, where he noted, “We have a lot of construction going on, which you might hear periodically.” The President emphasized that the work began “just today,” marking a significant shift in the historic structure.

Despite the ambitious plans, the White House has moved forward without official approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), which oversees federal construction projects. NCPC Chairman Will Scharf stated that the commission does not have jurisdiction over demolition work, suggesting that the White House is navigating a complex regulatory landscape.

The East Wing, built in 1902, serves as the traditional office space for the first lady and is set to undergo significant renovations during this project. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that East Wing operations will be temporarily relocated to accommodate the construction.

The proposed ballroom will be a massive 90,000 square feet, dwarfing existing White House spaces. Trump insists this project has long been desired by presidents, remarking, “The East Room is too small for hosting distinguished guests.” He also specified that the ballroom will be constructed with “zero cost to the American taxpayer,” as it is being privately funded by generous donations from businesses and private citizens, including Carrier Global Corp., which has pledged to provide a state-of-the-art HVAC system.

Critics are voicing concerns on social media, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges and the current government shutdown. Many are questioning the priorities of the administration at this time.

As this story develops, it is crucial to watch for updates regarding the NCPC’s response and any public backlash that may arise from this high-profile construction. The White House aims to have the ballroom completed before Trump’s term concludes in January 2029.

Stay tuned for more breaking news as this story unfolds.