Bulldozers have begun demolishing a section of the White House’s East Wing to make way for President Donald Trump’s $250-million ballroom project, sparking criticism as the federal government remains in its third week of shutdown. The partial demolition involves heavy machinery tearing down walls and interiors of the historic structure, once home to offices including the workspace of the First Lady. Images of the work have circulated widely, highlighting the stark contrast between the opulent expansion and stalled government operations.
The proposed ballroom, a 90,000-square-foot glass-walled structure designed to host up to 999 guests, is intended as a long-standing addition that Trump has claimed has been “needed for 150 years.” Renderings show a neoclassical interior with Corinthian columns and crystal chandeliers. While Trump asserts the project will be privately funded, details on financing remain unclear. The East Wing, originally built in 1902 and renovated multiple times including a second floor in 1942, has historically served administrative and ceremonial functions.
Construction proceeded without approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which typically oversees federal building work in Washington, DC. The commission’s chair, Will Scharf, a close aide to Trump, dismissed the requirement, stating the body has no jurisdiction over demolition or site preparation on federal property. This move has drawn criticism from Democrats and preservationists who argue the timing and lack of oversight are inappropriate, especially during a federal shutdown affecting thousands of government employees.
Trump’s focus on the ballroom follows earlier luxury modifications, including a gold-themed redesign of the Oval Office and renovations to the Rose Garden. Critics describe the project as tone-deaf and indicative of misplaced priorities, contrasting the president’s personal ambitions with nationwide governance challenges. Members of Congress and former politicians have openly condemned the project, characterizing it as self-indulgent and potentially unlawful, while Treasury Department memos reportedly instructed staff not to photograph the demolition work.
The East Wing demolition highlights broader tensions between Trump’s vision for the White House as a personal showcase and the responsibilities of government leadership during a national crisis. Preservationists have raised concerns about the historic structure, which was originally constructed atop a presidential emergency bunker, warning that the renovations could compromise both heritage and public trust. Amid ongoing debate, the project continues to unfold, symbolizing the intersection of politics, personal ambition, and national priorities.
