Trump Announces Demolition of White House East Wing for $300M Ballroom

UPDATE: In a stunning announcement, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the entire East Wing of the White House will be demolished to make way for a massive $300 million (€256 million) ballroom, a much larger project than previously disclosed. This decision was made after consultations with architects, as he stated, “really knocking it down” was preferable to a partial demolition.

The news broke during a press event alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on October 23, 2025. The president’s confirmation follows images of a mechanical excavator tearing through the East Wing’s facade, leaving behind a chaotic scene of debris and twisted steel. This East Wing, historically housing the offices of US first ladies, is physically connected to the main mansion via a covered colonnade.

Trump emphasized the need for the new 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which will accommodate up to 1,000 guests, stating its purpose is to host significant state dinners and events that currently rely on temporary tent setups. He reassured the public that the project will be undertaken “NO COST to the country,” defending the demolition as essential for proper construction.

“We’re doing it NO COST to the country… to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure.” – President Trump

The estimated cost of the demolition has escalated from $250 million to the newly confirmed $300 million, raising eyebrows among critics and historic preservationists alike. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has expressed deep concern over the implications of this project, warning that the “massing and height of the proposed new construction will overwhelm the White House itself.”

Critics argue that the lack of transparency surrounding the project is alarming, with no prior notice or consultation provided to the public. The Trust fears that this extensive construction could permanently disrupt the classical design balance of the White House, which measures 55,000 square feet.

The urgency of this situation cannot be understated, as the demolition raises critical questions about historical preservation and the architectural integrity of one of the nation’s most iconic structures. The public awaits further details on the timeline of the demolition and construction, as the project continues to draw significant media attention.

As this story develops, many will be watching closely to see how this ambitious plan unfolds and what it means for the future of the White House.