Trump demolishes East Wing of White House to build new ballroom

[Morphine Prince 109,683]

All that's left of the East Wing of the White House is a pile of rubble.

A White House official not authorized to speak on the record tells NPR the demolition phase of President Trump's project to build a 90,000 square foot ballroom, is ahead of schedule.

Although Trump initially said the project wouldn't "interfere with the current building" and would be "near it but not touching it," he explained Wednesday that "in order to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure."

The East Wing demolition, the White House official said, is going directly up to the edge of the residence and includes tearing down the East Garden Room, Family Theater and East Colonnade, as well as the complex of offices. The sight of excavators tearing into the East Wing set off alarms among preservationists, but the White House is doubling down, insisting the demolition is necessary.

"The plans changed, and the president heard counsel from the architects and the construction companies who said that in order for this East Wing to be modern and beautiful for many, many years to come, for it to be a truly strong and stable structure, this Phase 1 that we're now in was necessary," said Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, in a briefing on Thursday. "The president wants to do right by the People's House."

The offices and other facilities that were in the East Wing will be rebuilt and modernized, said Leavitt. There will also be security enhancements involving the underground bunker built under the East Wing during World War II, known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center.

The East Wing will "be more beautiful and modern than ever before," said Leavitt. "And in addition, there will be a big, beautiful ballroom that can hold big parties and state visits for generations to come."

Going back at least to the year 2010, Trump has complained that the White House doesn't have an appropriate space for State Dinners and other large gatherings, often requiring large tents to be set up on the South Lawn.

When it was first announced over the summer, the White House said the project would cost $200 million. Costs have already ballooned, with the president now describing it as a $300 million project, which the White House says will all still be funded by private donors.

Read more:  https://www.npr.org/2025/10/23/nx-s1-5583959/white-house-east-wing-demolition-ballroom-trump

 

[Controversiaga 16,119]

Can someone demolish him 

[Bronco 25,132]

The East Wing sat ontop of the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC). 

I remain convinced this is just a cover for them doing extensive work on the Fuhrer Bunker. 
Plus, they did just pay Argentina $40million which is 100% to ensure the Nazis can go back when it all goes tits up. 

[jacs vs looser 5,122]

7 minutes ago, Bronco said:

The East Wing sat ontop of the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC). 

I remain convinced this is just a cover for them doing extensive work on the Fuhrer Bunker. 
Plus, they did just pay Argentina $40million which is 100% to ensure the Nazis can go back when it all goes tits up. 

Best case scenario and it's not a cover up: whatever they build will most likely be super tacky, in line with Trump's sense of "wealthy" style, and future administrations won't have the balls to take it down, and so it will be there for decades.

[Alxjcgn 2,200]

I remember seeing all the comments on instagram and other news sites from his supporters saying how offended liberals are because it was only the side of the building at first and they were justifying its being opened up for expansion.... I wonder how dumb they feel now (although they will find some other excuse to make instead of just accept the tragedy)

Edited October 24, 2025 by Alxjcgn

[ThisGuyTony 34,956]

 

[PornoDanceFight 2,060]

Personally, whether it’s out of the preservation for my sanity or because I am still deluded for a positive outcome from all this, I don’t think he’s creating an escape bunker or trying to stay past 2028. I think this is just classic “Trump.” He’s going to leave his gaudy, tacky, gold stamp all across the National Mall over the next few years on OUR dime so we will be forced to constantly see and reckon with him and his ugly legacy. 
 

It’s also INSANE that this is priority instead of funding the government when it looks like SNAP benefits won’t come back until 2026. F***ing ghoulish.

[MOT 3,608]

Honestly think this might just be something that Miller and Vought are letting him do to keep his mind occupied. 'You run off now and play with your plans for your new gold ballroom, Mr President. We'll let you know any time we need you to sign something or make a speech or any of that boring stuff.'

[Economy 52,861]

Yet he criticised the Federal Reserve and tried to embarrass Powell on live Television for going over budget on construction by including a building that was already built 5 years ago

[Lord Mayhem 3,430]

2 hours ago, jacs vs looser said:

Best case scenario and it's not a cover up: whatever they build will most likely be super tacky, in line with Trump's sense of "wealthy" style, and future administrations won't have the balls to take it down, and so it will be there for decades.

I actually would love for the next President to tear down the ballroom and replace it with the original East Wing blueprints and put everything back 

[Lord Mayhem 3,430]

8 minutes ago, Economy said:

Yet he criticised the Federal Reserve and tried to embarrass Powell on live Television for going over budget on construction by including a building that was already built 5 years ago

And let's not forget the big fuss he made about federal waste and the entire point of DOGE...wtf ever happened to that? How was this not considered wasteful during a government shutdown and people losing their jobs, benefits, and Healthcare...

Plus...this is a historical landmark on LOAN...you are there temporarily in a 4 year glorified Air BnB...its disgusting how he acts like this is HIS country and he doesnt have to answer to anybody...

If anything...it may not be in 2028 or even 2032...but Trump will fundamentally change how this country deals and handles any future potential abusers of power...IF we even have a country left if he doesnt incite a full blown civil war and claim he cant NOT be president and there are no elections during a war...just like Ukraine

[Monstermilo 5,473]

meanwhile hes cutting healthcare for poor and old people 

what a joke

[Ilia Malinin 2,882]

3 hours ago, ThisGuyTony said:

 

me who owns an iphone through t-mobile and uses a windows laptop 

[Monstermilo 5,473]

this man is literally putting in plans to install himself as an authoritarian dictator. 

i bet hes trying to find a way to run in 2028, and these companies will be the ones backing him. gross how ppl still support this scheiBe

[50 Ft Queenie 640]

1 hour ago, Monstermilo said:

meanwhile hes cutting healthcare for poor and old people 

what a joke

Thanks exactly. Who cares about the White House FOOD STAMPS IS CANCELLED. Epstein files need to be released !!!!