Construction crews demolish wall of White House East Wing for ballroom construction

Construction crews demolished the East Wing facade of the White House on October 20, 2025, to begin building a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom. President Donald Trump announced the project in late July, estimating its cost at $200 million, to be privately funded by "generous Patriots" and "Great American Companies," with no cost to taxpayers. Trump stated that for over 150 years, presidents have desired a White House ballroom for grand parties and State Visits, and he is honored to be the first to undertake this project. He noted the current White House room for gatherings holds only 88 people, while the new ballroom will accommodate 999. Trump described the planned ballroom as "beautiful" and the "finest" in the country, designed to complement the existing White House decor. He also mentioned the East Wing is being modernized as part of the process. Trump, who has experience in real estate and interior design, views the ballroom as a finishing touch to his White House renovations, which have also included changes to the Rose Garden. He expressed confidence in his ability to design ballrooms, stating, "I'm really good."