President Donald Trump confirmed that the entire East Wing of the White House is being demolished to make way for a planned ballroom. During a press briefing in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump stated, “In order to do it properly we had to take down the existing structure.” This announcement follows the emergence of videos on social media showing a crane beginning the demolition process.
The president initially announced the construction of the ballroom in July, assuring that it would not interfere with the existing building. He previously indicated that the new 90,000 square foot ballroom would be separate from the main structure. “It’ll be near it, but not touching it, and pays total respect to the existing building,” he remarked.
Despite these assurances, Trump revealed that discussions with architects led to the decision to demolish the East Wing. “It was never thought of as being much. It was a very small building,” he commented on the structure, which has been part of the White House since its addition during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942.
### Cost and Purpose of the New Ballroom
Trump shared details about the project, asserting that the ballroom would be used for hosting world leaders and other significant events. He estimated the cost of construction at $300 million, a figure that has increased from the previously stated $200 million. Funding for the ballroom will reportedly come from Trump and private donors. “I think it will be one of the great ballrooms anywhere in the world,” he added.
The demolition and construction plans have ignited controversy among political figures. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized the project, stating, “The East Wing of the White House is being demolished so that Donald Trump can construct a ballroom where he will be celebrated like a king.” Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) dismissed the initiative as a “gigantic boondoggle.”
### Relocation of East Wing Components
In light of the demolition, various offices previously housed in the East Wing have been relocated within the White House complex. For example, the first lady’s office and the social secretary’s office have been moved, while the Military Office, the Graphics and Calligraphy Office, the Visitors Office, and the Office of Legislative Affairs have transferred to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The White House Historical Association (WHHA) has taken steps to document the East Wing’s history following the announcement of the ballroom. They stated that a comprehensive digital scanning project and photography efforts are underway to preserve the East Wing’s legacy. “The East Wing and gardens have been captured in detail for the benefit of our nation, and historic artifacts from the East Wing have been preserved and stored,” a WHHA representative confirmed.
The decision to demolish the East Wing and construct a new ballroom is set against a backdrop of political debate and concern about the allocation of resources. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly remain a focal point in discussions surrounding the White House and its role in American governance.