On Monday, October 20, 2025, the Demolition work on a portion of the White House East Wing began to make way for a new ballroom for President Trump. The section being torn down housed offices and the entrance used by visitors.

The president previously said that his $250m White House ballroom addition would be “near” the existing structure but would not change it. “It won’t interfere with the current building. It won’t be. It’ll be near it but not touching it – and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” Trump said in July. “It’s my favorite. It’s my favorite place. I love it.” (Venkatraman,Asiedu, Debusmann Jr Oct,21,25) Trump announced the construction in a social media post, saying ground has been broken on the much-needed ballroom space.

President Trump said the project is being privately funded by many generous Patriots. Their identities are unclear still as the White House has not released any names of who might be funding it. The White House has served as the historic home of the US president for two centuries. The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.

The demolition moved forward despite not having final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency that oversees such construction. Trump wrote in his post that the East Wing was “completely separate” from the White House, though it is attached to the main structure.

The demolition of the East Wing is a bold move by President Trump, going ahead without full approval or clear details on who is funding it. Whether seen as a major upgrade or a controversial change, the new ballroom will leave a lasting mark on the White House.