Trump Begins demolition of East Wing for New White House Ballroom – October 20,2024
Washington D.C. - Construction has commenced on a new, 999-capacity ballroom on the grounds of the White House, prompting the demolition of portions of the East Wing. The project, announced by the former President on his social media platform, truth Social, is envisioned as a long-awaited addition to the presidential residence.
“I am pleased to announce that construction has begun on the White House grounds of the new, grand and splendid White House Ballroom. Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being completely modernized as part of this process, and will be more beautiful than ever when completed!” the statement read.
The former President claims the ballroom has been a “dream of all presidents” for 150 years and expressed his honor at initiating the project. He asserted the construction will be funded entirely through private donations from companies and “generous patriots,” with an estimated cost of US$250 million.
The project marks a return to a proposal initially offered to then-President barack Obama in 2010, six years before the former President’s first election. That US$100 million offer was declined by the Obama administration.
Since returning to office, the former President has already implemented several aesthetic changes to the 1800s White House building, drawing comparisons to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. These include cementing the Rose Garden, transforming it into a white patio, citing concerns about high heels sinking into the grass, and adding golden details to the Oval Office, mirroring those found in his golf club.
The proclamation of the demolition and construction followed the appearance of heavy construction equipment dismantling parts of the East Wing facade, with images circulating on social media and in the press. “Right behind us, we’re building a ballroom,” the former President told visiting Louisiana state University college baseball athletes in the east Room.
The plan envisions future events beginning with cocktails in the East Room before guests move to the new ballroom, which will offer views of the Washington Monument.
The current East Wing, constructed in 1942 during Franklin D. roosevelt’s administration, was built over a bunker intended for presidential use during World War II. The wing has, at times, struggled to accommodate the volume of staff, visitors, and guests attending presidential events, leading to state dinners being held in tents on the South Lawn.
The White House maintains that the project does not require approval from the National Capital Planning Commission,which typically oversees construction in Washington D.C., and is currently chaired by Will Scharf, also a White House Cabinet Secretary.
