On Monday, October 20, 2025, a significant transformation began at the White House as demolition work commenced on a section of the East Wing. This area, traditionally serving as the operational hub for the First Lady, is being cleared to pave the way for President Donald Trump’s ambitious new ballroom.
Dramatic images capturing the initial stages of this project, circulated by news outlets like The Washington Post, revealed a backhoe tearing into the East Wing’s facade, leaving windows and other structural elements in disarray on the ground. Observers, including members of the press, witnessed these developments from a nearby park adjacent to the Treasury Department.
Preliminary groundwork, including the removal of trees and other site preparations, had already been underway since September.
The White House maintains that while new construction requires approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, demolition work does not. This commission is tasked with overseeing major renovations and construction on government properties within the Washington area. Notably, its current chairman, Will Scharf, also serves as the White House staff secretary and a key aide to President Trump.
However, the commission had not yet formally approved the ballroom’s construction plans, and it remained unclear whether these plans had even been submitted. The ongoing government shutdown has further complicated matters, as the commission’s offices are currently closed.
President Trump has publicly stated his desire for a grand 90,000-square-foot ballroom, citing the existing East Room’s limited capacity of approximately 200 people as inadequate. He expressed a preference for not relying on temporary pavilions for major events. This new venue, according to Mr. Trump’s remarks last week, is designed to accommodate an impressive 999 guests.
The White House anticipates the ballroom’s completion before the end of President Trump’s term in January 2029.