The White House administration has confirmed plans to completely demolish the East Wing to pave the way for a new extravagant ballroom envisioned by Donald Trump. Despite initial assurances that the new addition would not impact the existing structure, recent images showing demolition work on the historic building indicate a change in direction following Trump’s announcement at a donor event last week.
In a statement today, the White House clarified that the current structure must be removed to proceed with the construction as planned. President Trump emphasized the necessity of taking down the existing building to ensure the new ballroom is seamlessly integrated without encroaching on the White House itself.
The demolition has stirred global attention, with recent incidents like a car crashing into a White House security barricade adding to the intrigue surrounding the construction project. The estimated $250 million cost for the ballroom is expected to be covered by private funds, with the decision to demolish the entire wing reportedly contributing to cost savings compared to alternative approaches.
Despite previous reassurances about minimal interference with the current building, Trump’s recent statements have confirmed the complete demolition and replacement of the East Wing with the new ballroom. The project has garnered anticipation for its completion, which could happen as early as the upcoming weekend.
While some former East Wing staff members have raised concerns and sought intervention from regulatory bodies, the White House dismissed the criticism as “manufactured outrage” in a press release last week. Historical photographs showcasing past renovations at the White House have been shared to provide context for the ongoing construction activities.