As powerful machinery dismantled a part of the White House, President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that the entire East Wing was being demolished to construct a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom, significantly altering one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
Trump showed little sentiment as news of the demolition spread. Regarding the East Wing, which housed the first lady’s office and ceremonial spaces, he remarked, “It was never considered significant. It was a very small building.”
According to two senior administration officials, the East Wing’s demolition is expected to be completed by this weekend, as Trump swiftly progresses with a project he deems essential for hosting state dinners and other gatherings.
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The surprise decision to demolish the East Wing contradicts Trump’s previous statements about the project, highlighting his determination to leave a lasting mark on the White House, despite opposition from many in Washington.
On Wednesday, the president also mentioned that the ballroom’s cost would be $300 million, surpassing the initial $200 million estimate.
“To do it right, we had to remove the current structure,” Trump stated, adding cryptically that “certain areas are being preserved.” However, the two senior officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed the complete demolition of the East Wing.
The West Wing and the presidential residence remain unaffected by this extensive renovation—the most significant at the White House in decades.
Initially, Trump assured that the ballroom’s construction would not disturb the East Wing.
“It won’t interfere with the current building. It’ll be adjacent but not touching it,” he said in July. “And it fully respects the existing structure, which I greatly admire.”
Upon further review, the White House decided demolishing the East Wing was more cost-effective and structurally sound than adding to it, one official explained.
The ballroom’s planned 90,000 square feet will significantly alter the White House campus, nearly doubling the size of the current 55,000-square-foot residence.
This article first appeared in The New York Times.
