Trump’s wrecking crew starts East Wing demolition for White House ballroom: ‘More damage than the British did in 1814’
White House begins East Wing demolition to build $250 million ballroom
- Demolition work has commenced on parts of the White House East Wing facade to make way for a new $250 million ballroom.
- Donald Trump confirmed the start of construction, stating the new ballroom would be “a lot of fun” and fulfil a long-standing desire for such a facility.
- The East Wing, built in 1902 and home to various offices and a Second World War-era bomb shelter, is being partially removed despite concerns about interfering with existing structures.
- The project, which will create a ballroom capable of seating 650 people, has been fully financed through donations from several major companies.
- Critics have expressed scorn over the demolition, with some comparing the damage to the White House to the 1812 burning, though officials claim the work falls outside planning commission jurisdiction.