Work crews have commenced demolishing a section of the East Wing to facilitate the construction of a “new, big, beautiful” ballroom, as stated by the US president.
A crew specializing in demolition has started dismantling a part of the White House’s East Wing, creating space for an expansive ballroom that will be erected there, according to an announcement from US President Donald Trump.
Images and videos showing the demolition work have been disseminated across various media organizations and social platforms.
Through a Tuesday post on Truth Social, Trump conveyed his excitement, stating he was “pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom.”
He asserted that “For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits.” Trump highlighted that “this much-needed project” would incur no cost whatsoever for American taxpayers, as it “is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly.”
During a recent dinner with prominent business figures, Trump indicated that corporations such as Apple, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Coinbase were contributing to the funding of the $250-million project.
Trump has frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the White House’s insufficient capacity for state dinners and receptions, events which have typically taken place in provisional tents on the South Lawn.
This forthcoming 90,000-square-foot ballroom is projected to accommodate 650 guests, significantly surpassing the East Room – currently the White House’s primary event venue – by more than threefold in capacity.
The initiative promptly drew criticism from Democrats.
On Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom, in a post on X, implied that Trump was “ripping apart the White House just like he’s ripping apart the Constitution.”
Florida Senator Darren Soto condemned “Trump’s billionaire ballroom,” labeling it a “disgrace.”
Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, countered by remarking that “construction has always been a part of the evolution of the White House.”
He further commented on X that “Losers who are quick to criticize need to stop their pearl clutching and understand the building needs to be modernized.”
The most recent substantial renovation of the White House concluded in 1951, under the administration of Harry Truman.