Michelle Obama slams Trump’s $300,000,000 White House demolishment renovation

In July, President Donald Trump revealed a $300 million plan to renovate the White House, which included demolishing parts of the historic building. One major change was tearing down the East Wing, traditionally used by First Ladies and their staff, to make space for a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

The project quickly sparked controversy. Critics questioned whether taxpayer money was being used for such an enormous renovation, though Trump later said private funds covered the costs. Others were alarmed by the loss of an iconic part of the White House, noting that the East Wing is exempt from the National Historic Preservation Act, which normally protects historic structures.

Michelle Obama has now spoken publicly about the demolition. Appearing on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast, she was asked what it felt like to watch the East Wing come down.

She explained that her reaction was less personal and more about what the structure represented. Obama said she felt confusion and concern about what the decision says about national values, traditions, and shared norms. For her, the emotional impact stemmed from what the change symbolised rather than from losing a place she once worked.

Obama emphasized that the White House does not belong to any one president or family, calling it “the People’s House.”

Hillary Clinton also criticized the demolition, writing on X that Trump was destroying a building that belongs to the American public, not to him.

Meanwhile, Melania Trump and her staff were moved out during construction. Though initially hesitant, Trump said his wife has since become more supportive of the renovation.