Trump begins demolishing part of the White House to make way for new golden ballroom

Construction crews began demolishing parts of the White House’s East Wing on Monday to make way for a new golden ballroom, a project initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Workers removed a covered entryway and several windows, despite Trump’s earlier assurances that the £186 million redevelopment would not alter the original structure of the historic residence.

In July, Trump said the project would be “near” the existing building but would not interfere with it, emphasizing his admiration for the White House, calling it his “favorite place.”

This week, the 79-year-old president announced that construction had officially begun, posting online that “for more than 150 years, every President has dreamt of having a ballroom at the White House,” and confirming that “ground has now been broken.”

Photos from Washington, D.C., show workers tearing down parts of the East Wing’s façade. Reports estimate the cost of the project at around $250 million, with Trump claiming it is funded by “many generous Patriots,” though no donors have been identified.

The new ballroom marks the first major change to the East Wing since 1942. The large-scale renovation has drawn criticism from the Society of Architectural Historians and the American Institute of Architects, who voiced concerns about preserving the site’s integrity.

While controversial, White House modifications are not unprecedented. Barack Obama added basketball facilities, and presidents Gerald Ford, Harry Truman, and Richard Nixon also made significant updates during their administrations.