Trump Administration Tears Down East Wing to Make Room for Presidential Ballroom

The White House Begins Demolishing Part of the East Wing to Build Trump's Ballroom WASHINGTON - On Monday, October 20, 2025, the White House started tearing down part of the East Wing, a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about the priorities of President Donald Trump. The demolition is part of a plan to build a $250 million ballroom in the historic building. According to eyewitnesses, construction equipment was seen tearing into the East Wing façade and windows, leaving debris scattered on the ground. Some reporters watched from a nearby park near the Treasury Department, which is adjacent to the East Wing. The project has been met with criticism from lawmakers and historians who argue that the White House should not be used for personal projects without proper approval. "This is a misuse of taxpayer dollars," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) in a statement. "We need to prioritize the needs of the American people, not the President's ego." The East Wing has traditionally served as the base of operations for the First Lady, and its demolition has raised concerns about the impact on Melania Trump's role. However, White House officials have maintained that the project will be completed with minimal disruption to the First Lady's duties. President Trump announced the start of construction in a social media post, referencing the work while hosting 2025 college baseball champions Louisiana State University and LSU-Shreveport in the East Room. "We're making America great again, one ballroom at a time," he tweeted. The project has been in the works for several months, with Trump first announcing plans to build a new ballroom in February 2025. However, it was only recently that construction began, despite lacking approval from the General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees such projects. Historians have expressed concerns about the impact of the demolition on the White House's historic integrity. "The East Wing is an important part of the White House's architectural heritage," said historian and preservationist, Dr. Kathryn Smith. "We should be preserving our history, not destroying it." The project has also raised questions about the priorities of the Trump administration. "This is a classic example of Trump's 'win at all costs' approach," said Democratic strategist, James Carville. "He's more interested in building his ego than serving the American people." As construction continues, the White House has maintained that the ballroom will be completed by 2027 and will host high-profile events, including state dinners and diplomatic receptions. The controversy surrounding the project is likely to continue, with lawmakers and historians calling for greater transparency and accountability. As one observer noted, "This is a story about power, privilege, and priorities. It's a reminder that the White House belongs to the American people, not just the President." *Reporting by Npr.*