On October 20, 2025, demolition crews began dismantling parts of the White House East Wing to make way for President Donald Trump’s proposed $250 million ballroom. The 90,000-square-foot venue, intended to seat up to 999 guests, is projected to be completed before the end of Trump’s second term in January 2029.
The East Wing, originally constructed in 1902 and expanded in 1942, has traditionally housed the First Lady’s offices and includes the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC), a secure bunker beneath the White House. The planned ballroom will replace the East Wing, significantly altering the building’s structure and function.
The project is allegedly being privately funded by President Trump and anonymous donors, with contributions from major corporations such as Apple, Amazon, and Lockheed Martin. The design envisions a lavish interior featuring chandeliers, ornate columns, and bulletproof glass walls. Trump has emphasized that the ballroom will be “the most beautiful in the country” and said that it will not interfere with the existing historical structure.
President Trump has chosen McCrery Architects as the lead architect, which is well-known for their classical architectural design and is based in our nation’s capital.
“Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman,” McCrery Architects CEO Jim McCrery said. “I am honored that President Trump has entrusted me to help bring this beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House, while preserving the elegance of its classical design and historical importance.”
The demolition and planned expansion have sparked controversy. Critics argue that the project constitutes a desecration of a national landmark and raises concerns about government spending priorities amid a federal shutdown.
“We should halt non-essential construction during a government shutdown. This is a vanity project, not a national priority,” Democratic Representative Mark Takano said.
Former Congressman Joe Walsh labeled the project an “utter desecration,” while Democratic Representative Mark Takano introduced legislation to halt non-essential construction during government shutdowns.
The planned ballroom represents one of the most substantial changes to the White House in over a century, reflecting President Trump’s vision for a more opulent presidential residence. However, the project’s legal standing remains uncertain, and its impact on the historic integrity of the White House continues to be a subject of national debate.
