Trump demolishes the White House wing to build a ballroom
“For more than 150 years, every president has dreamed of having a ballroom in the White House,” wrote no one ever until Donald J. Trump posted the ad on his Social Truth platform on Monday.
The president’s plans to build the kind of place most Americans associate with Disney princesses, Von Trapp family nights, and dynasties being allowed to eat cake became a reality this week, as construction crews began demolishing the East Wing of the White House to build the 90,000-square-foot, $300 million Trump Hall (up $100 million from the estimate he cited earlier in the week). When completed, the building will be larger than the main White House, nearly twice the size of the executive residence.
First photos and shots of heavy machinery Demolishing parts of the eastern wing Monday sparked strong reactions from historians, conservationists, politicians and ordinary people — all of whom were upset by the administration’s unilateral decision to alter the 224-year-old official residence of presidents dating back to John Adams.
Demolition was underway on the East Wing of the White House before the ballroom was built.
(Evan Vucci/Associated Press)
The nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation asked the administration to postpone further demolition until the hall’s plans undergo a public review process, arguing that the massive addition “would overwhelm the White House itself.” Late-night host Stephen Colbert took the opportunity to point out another case of corporate destruction: “We’re only nine months into Trump’s term, and he’s already going on a Hulk Smash!” On the White House. Last time, it took at least four years to bring a pilot crew to the Capitol, a reference to the January 6 insurrection.
in Official statement In a bulletin on its website, the White House blamed the furor over Trump’s demolition of the East Wing on Democrats’ overreaction. “In the latest example of manufactured outrage, deranged leftists and their fake news allies are clutching pearls over President Donald J. Trump’s wise addition of a large, privately funded ballroom to the White House — a bold, necessary addition that reflects the long history of improvements and additions from leaders in chief to maintain the executive residence as a beacon of American excellence.”
As if anyone other than the Trump family – or the billionaires who donated to his project – could buy pearls at this stage. Trump says his hall is being privately funded by “many generous patriots, major American corporations, and yours truly,” and that the burden of building his lavish project will not fall on taxpayers. Good thing, because the bottom 90% was put to good use.
Americans are struggling to keep up financially. Wage growth slowed Such as the prices of necessities Continue climbing Despite Trump’s 2024 campaign promises to beat inflation. the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Reports indicate that from August 2024 to August 2025, the prices of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs increased by 5.6%, the prices of non-alcoholic beverages increased by 4.6%, and the prices of fruits and vegetables increased by 1.9%. Despite the decrease in gasoline prices, the cost of electricity increased by 6.2%, and the price of natural gas increased by 13.8%. Other notable price increases include Medicare (3.4%) and auto insurance (4.7%). But who needs light, heat or health when there are dance halls?
The site renderings released by the White House look suspiciously like the gilded ballroom at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private home and club in Palm Beach, Florida, with its gilded ceilings, majestic columns, and ornate chandeliers.
The Oval Office and Cabinet Room have already been redesigned in Trump’s image, with numerous portraits, busts and shiny gold decorations added. The bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom has reportedly been remodeled, but how can one beat the now-iconic Mar-a-Lago toilet, with its crystal light fixtures, marble floors and stacks of secret document boxes?
“You might hear the beautiful sound of construction in the back,” Trump said, addressing GOP senators at the White House on Tuesday. “When I hear that sound, it reminds me of money.” At least he was honest.
The White House has declined to provide details about just who is funding the hall, and the ambiguous response has raised concerns that the project may serve as a pay-to-play opportunity for those who want to curry favor with the administration. The only known donor so far has been revealed in court documents. YouTube is set to pay $22 million to the project as part of a settlement with Trump over the suspension of his account following the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol.
He says Trump expects to finish the hall before his term ends. But will he leave a glass slipper behind?