White House says it will submit ballroom plans for review, with demolition already under way

[LetMyPeopleVote]

14. Trump is demolishing the entire East Wing to make way for his White House ballroom.

WOW

Trump Administration Live Updates: White House Changes Course and Will Demolish Entire East Wing www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10...

What the actual fuck?!? Worst tenant ever!! Get him out of there! This image makes me want to cry. I am so angry and upset! And no one in Congress calling this out?

— Zoron Queen of The Bees (@zoron.bsky.social) 2025-10-22T20:21:45.415Z

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10/22/us/trump-news#east-wing-white-house-demolition-trump

The White House is demolishing the entirety of the East Wing to make way for President Trump’s $200 million ballroom, a construction project that is far more extensive than he initially let on, a senior administration official said on Wednesday.

The tear-down should be finished by this weekend, according to the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the plans.

When Mr. Trump first announced his plans for the ballroom, he pledged that the East Wing wouldn’t be touched by the construction.

“It’ll be views of the Washington Monument. It won’t interfere with the current building. It’ll be near it but not touching it,” the president said. “And pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of.”

But, upon further evaluation, the White House determined it was cheaper and more structurally sound to demolish the East Wing to construct the ballroom, rather than build an addition, the official said.

The new structure will also have enhanced security features, the official said.