Trump has commenced the demolition of White House East Wing for $250 million ballroom project.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has begun a major reconstruction project at the White House, ordering the demolition of part of the East Wing to make way for a massive new $250 million presidential ballroom the largest addition to the iconic residence in more than a century.
Work crews were seen on Monday tearing through the East Wing facade with heavy machinery, leaving piles of rubble, steel, and masonry in their wake, according to AFP reporters at the scene.
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Speaking during a White House event with college baseball players, the 79-year-old billionaire confirmed that construction was underway, joking that attendees might “hear a bit of noise from the other side.”
Trump later took to Truth Social to make the formal announcement, declaring:
“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom.”
According to Trump, the East Wing will be “fully modernized” as part of the project and “more beautiful than ever” when complete. Traditionally, the East Wing has served as the office space for U.S. First Ladies, while the president works from the West Wing and resides in the Executive Mansion.
The planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom, with capacity for 1,000 guests, is intended for hosting large state dinners and high-profile events that are currently held in temporary tents. Trump described the ballroom as a “legacy project” that will serve future generations of Americans.
Last week, Trump hosted a lavish dinner at the White House for donors to the ballroom project. Attendees reportedly included executives from Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Palantir, and Lockheed Martin, as well as Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, founders of crypto firm Gemini.
“The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly,” Trump said. “This Ballroom will be happily used for generations to come.”
The ballroom is part of Trump’s broader effort to remodel the White House since returning to power in January. Previous upgrades include gold décor in the Oval Office and the paving of the Rose Garden.
Trump has also revealed plans for a monumental “Arc de Trump” — a triumphal arch in Washington — as part of his sweeping architectural vision for the capital.
