WASHINGTON — Construction crews have started tearing down part of the White House East Wing, the traditional base of operations for the first lady, to make way for President Donald Trump’s $250 million ballroom project — a massive undertaking launched without formal approval from the federal commission that oversees such projects.
Trump, who first announced his plans in July, has long said he wants to build “a beautiful ballroom like I have at Mar-a-Lago.” Dramatic images on Monday showed heavy machinery ripping into the East Wing façade, with debris and shattered windows scattered across the ground. Reporters observed the demolition from nearby Lafayette Park and the Treasury building.
“We have a lot of construction going on, which you might hear periodically,” Trump said during an East Room event honoring the 2025 college baseball champions from Louisiana State University and LSU-Shreveport. “It just started today.”
No Federal Sign-Off Yet
The project has not yet received approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) — the body responsible for construction oversight in Washington, D.C. However, NCPC chairman Will Scharf, who also serves as White House staff secretary, said in September that the agency’s jurisdiction covers “vertical construction” but not demolition or site preparation on federal property.
It remains unclear whether the White House has officially submitted the ballroom’s design plans to the commission for review. The White House did not respond to media requests for comment, and the NCPC offices are currently closed due to the government shutdown.
A Massive Expansion
According to White House statements, the new ballroom will span approximately 90,000 square feet and cost around $200 million, though Trump said the final cost could reach $250 million. He insists the ballroom is being built “at zero cost to the American taxpayer”, claiming that “generous patriots, great American companies, and, yours truly” are privately funding the project.
The ballroom will reportedly accommodate up to 999 guests, up from the initial 650 announced in July. Trump argues that the East Room — the largest existing space in the White House, with a 200-person capacity — is inadequate for major diplomatic events.
“Presidents have wanted this for 150 years,” Trump said, calling the new venue “a great addition that respects and enhances the beauty of the White House.”
Historical and Structural Impact
The East Wing, first built in 1902 and expanded in 1942, houses several administrative offices, including those of the first lady. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said these offices will be relocated during construction, and that the entire wing will undergo modernization as part of the project.
The new ballroom represents the most significant architectural change to the White House since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948. Some preservationists have raised concerns about altering the historical landscape of the South Grounds, where trees and gardens are already being cleared.
Corporate Donations and Timeline
At a private dinner last week, Trump announced that Carrier Global Corp. would donate the HVAC system for the ballroom. The company confirmed the contribution, calling it “an honor to support this iconic project with a world-class, energy-efficient system.”
The ballroom is expected to be completed before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029, making it one of the most ambitious presidential building projects in modern history.
