The full East Wing of the White House is being demolished to make way for a new ballroom proposed by President Donald Trump, the White House confirmed Wednesday.
Why It Matters
Trump's decision to replace the wing with a $200 million ballroom has ignited debate over preserving national heritage versus modernizing the Executive Mansion.
The project is proceeding despite objections from preservation groups and critics who fear the loss of historic architecture and tradition. The outcome could set a precedent for how future administrations approach changes to the White House.
What To Know
“We can confirm that the entire East Wing is going to be modernized and renovated to support the ballroom project,” an official told Reuters.
The new ballroom project, initially promised by Trump not to impact the existing East Wing, changed course after administration officials determined that demolishing and rebuilding would offer greater structural and security advantages, The New York Times reports, citing a senior administration official.
In July, the president said that the White House would remain intact amid ballroom construction, the Associated Press (AP) reports. “It won’t interfere with the current building,” he said in part. “It will be near it but not touching it. And pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of.”
Demolition crews on Monday began razing the wing, which included offices for the first lady and her staff. The Times reported, per a White House official, that the teardown should be finished by the weekend.
The decision to dismantle part of one of the nation’s most historic buildings has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and preservation advocates, who called the project unnecessary and disrespectful.
The White House has dismissed the backlash as “manufactured outrage.” Officials said plans for the ballroom will be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission—the federal agency that reviews major Washington construction projects—even though demolition is well underway.
The Times first reported the East Wing's demolition.
Trump on Wednesday defended the removal of part of the White House’s East Wing, saying that “not much” of the original construction remained before demolition began.
Trump said sections of the East Wing were more than a century old and “ready to be replaced,” though he added that “certain areas are being left.” He also said the military was involved in the project to ensure it would be “stellar.”
The president estimated the ballroom’s cost at $300 million, up from his previous $250 million projection, and rejected criticism that his administration has not been transparent about the work. “I think we’ve been more transparent than anybody’s ever been,” Trump said.
What People Are Saying
Trump, on Truth Social Monday: "I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom. Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process, and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete! For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc.
"I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer! The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for Generations to come! President DJT."
What Happens Next
With demolition set for completion by the weekend, attention turns to the formal review and approval process. Despite work starting, the administration must still get approval for the comprehensive plans for the new ballroom by the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency overseeing major development in Washington, D.C., according to the AP.
Update 10/22/25, 6:10 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 10/22/25, 7:33 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
