White House begins demolishing part of East Wing for Trump ballroom

The White House began demolishing part of the East Wing on Monday to make way for a new ballroom for President Donald Trump. Traditionally the first lady’s office, the East Wing is being partially torn down as work gets underway.

Dramatic images shared by The Washington Post show a backhoe tearing through the façade, with windows shattered and debris scattered on the ground. Reporters observed the work from a nearby park next to the Treasury Department. Site preparation, including tree clearing, began in September.

Officials maintain that approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees major construction and renovations in Washington, is not required for demolition—only for new construction. The commission’s chairman, Will Scharf, also a White House aide, has not confirmed whether the ballroom plans have been submitted. The agency’s offices remain closed due to the ongoing government shutdown.

President Trump defended the project, saying the existing East Room,seating about 200, is too small for large events and that he prefers not to host gatherings on the South Lawn. The new 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which he said is “bigger than initially planned,” will accommodate up to 999 guests.

The ballroom is being built adjacent to the East Wing on the northeast side of the White House complex, forming the centerpiece of Trump’s broader “Trump De Arch” plan, a sweeping redesign of the presidential residence. The De Arch plan, named by Trump as part of his legacy, envisions modernized facilities, expanded public spaces, and a more grandiose White House. The total project is estimated to cost $450 million and will be primarily funded by private donors, several of whom recently attended White House dinners, highlighting their support.

Trump reiterated today that construction is on track and aims to be completed before his term ends in January 2029.