WASHINGTON (AP) – The entire east wing of the White House has been demolished as President Donald Trump advances his policies. ballroom structurean Associated Press photo showed on Thursday.
The East Wing, where First Ladies made history, planned state dinners and promoted causes, is now history. The reception room and office are two stories high and include workspace for the first lady and her staff. turned into rubblewhich was demolished as part of the Republican president’s construction plan and is now home to a $300 million ballroom nearly twice the size of the White House.
Construction continues on the largely demolished portion of the East Wing of the White House ahead of construction of a new ballroom, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin)
President Trump said Wednesday that keeping the East Tower would “damage a very expensive and beautiful building” that the president had long wanted.
He said “me and a few of my friends” would pay for the banquet hall at no cost to taxpayers.
Demolition work continues on part of the East Wing of the White House ahead of construction of a new ballroom, Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin)
President Trump authorized demolition to begin this week, even though approval has not yet been received from the relevant government agencies that have jurisdiction over construction on federal land.
Preservationists are also calling on the Trump administration to halt demolition until plans for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom pass a necessary public review process.
