The historic East Wing of the White House has been completely demolished to make room for a grand new ballroom commissioned under the leadership of President Donald Trump. Recent images reveal the once-iconic structure reduced to rubble as construction teams prepare the foundation for the upcoming expansion.
The new ballroom is expected to cover nearly 90,000 square feet, making it almost twice the size of the main White House building. Estimated to cost more than $300 million, the project is reportedly being funded privately, with completion anticipated before the end of Trump’s current term.
Initially, officials indicated that the East Wing would remain untouched, but the demolition began earlier this month without the usual review process from national preservation authorities. The move has sparked criticism from historians and conservationists concerned about the loss of one of America’s most symbolic architectural spaces.
The East Wing previously housed the First Lady’s offices, the White House theater, and served as the primary public entrance for guided tours. While the administration maintains that certain historic elements were preserved for inclusion in the new construction, preservation experts fear the fast-paced development could compromise the site’s heritage integrity.
The new ballroom, once completed, is expected to host high-profile diplomatic and ceremonial events, symbolizing both modernization and controversy surrounding the future of America’s most recognized residence.
