Trump begins demolishing part of the White House to make way for new golden ballroom
Demolition has begun on sections of the White House’s east wing to make way for a new golden ballroom. Construction crews started work on Monday, removing a covered entryway and several windows.
This action appears to contradict a previous statement from President Donald Trump. In July, he assured that the redevelopment would not change the existing structure and would “pay total respect” to the building.
The 79-year-old president announced the start of construction on social media this week. He stated that for over 150 years, every president has dreamt of having a grand ballroom for state events and parties.
The project, reportedly costing $250 million, is the first modification to the East Wing since 1942. According to Trump, it is being funded by unnamed “generous Patriots.”
The scale of the changes has raised concerns among architectural groups. However, updates to the White House grounds are not unprecedented.
Past presidents, including Barack Obama, Gerald Ford, and Harry Truman, have all made their own modifications. These have included converting a tennis court and other grounds updates.
Despite Trump’s earlier promises, the ongoing demolition marks a significant physical alteration to the historic residence as the ballroom project moves forward.
