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White House Begins East Wing Demolition for Trump’s New Ballroom

The White House has initiated the demolition of part of the East Wing as part of President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to construct a new ballroom. This project, estimated to cost approximately $250 million, has commenced without the necessary approvals from the federal agency responsible for overseeing such developments.

Demolition and Construction Plan

On October 20, 2025, demolition crews were visible dismantling the East Wing façade. This area traditionally serves as the operational base for the first lady and is adjacent to other important governmental structures.

Details of the Ballroom Project

  • Cost: $250 million
  • Planned Capacity: Initially designed for 650 seated guests, now expanded to accommodate 999 people.
  • Size: 90,000 square feet
  • Completion Timeline: Scheduled before January 2029

Trump unveiled the construction initiative via social media, emphasizing its progress while hosting teams from Louisiana State University. He explained that the work was already underway behind him during the presentation.

Regulatory Concerns

Despite moving forward, the White House has not yet secured the required permissions from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). Commission chair Will Scharf clarified that jurisdiction over demolition and site preparation does not fall within the agency’s purview.

Relocation Plans and Future Upgrades

During the renovation, offices within the East Wing will be temporarily relocated. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, assured the public that the existing structure would undergo modernization without being torn down.

Funding Sources

Trump has assured that the ballroom’s construction will bear “zero cost to the American taxpayer.” He indicated that funding would come from private donations, stating that numerous businesses and individual contributors, including himself, are supporting the initiative.

Corporate Contributions

  • Carrier Global Corp. has offered to provide the HVAC system for the new ballroom.

The White House plans to eventually disclose the names of contributors but has not provided specifics as of yet. Construction activity began with preparatory work, including tree clearing on the south grounds.

Historical Context

This ballroom will be the largest structural addition to the White House since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948. Trump argues that the facility will fulfill a long-standing desire of past presidents while ensuring that high-profile events are hosted in a more suitable setting than temporary pavilions.

The White House continues to engage in this significant construction project amid discussions on adapting historical spaces to meet modern needs.

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