The East Wing of the White House, one of the most symbolic parts of American history, is going through a massive change under President Donald Trump.
The section that once hosted key offices and events is now being demolished to make space for a brand-new 90,000-square-foot State Ballroom.
This is not just a renovation; it’s a complete transformation that’s drawing attention and sparking heated debate nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- East Wing of the White House is being rebuilt into a 90,000 sq. ft. State Ballroom.
- Private donors, including Trump, are funding the $250–300 million project, with no taxpayer money involved.
- The ballroom will host up to 999 guests, much larger than the previous 600-capacity setup.
- Construction is moving fast, led by Clark Construction, and expected to finish by late 2026 or early 2027.
- The move has created strong reactions, dividing public opinion on preserving versus modernizing history.
A Look Back: When Was The East Wing Of The White House Built?
The East Wing wasn’t always the impressive structure we know today. Its story began over a century ago and evolved through major historical moments:
- Post-War Period – Later presidents, including Harry Truman, made small adjustments between 1948–1952, but the structure remained mostly unchanged for decades — until now.
- 1902 – President Theodore Roosevelt built a small two-story East Terrace, replacing the old greenhouses to make room for the expanding presidential staff.
- 1942 – During World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt redesigned it into the modern East Wing with help from architect Lorenzo Winslow. This version included a secret underground bunker known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC).
What’s Happening In 2025
As of October 21, 2025, demolition crews have started tearing down the East Wing. The new ballroom will be nearly eight times larger than the current 12,000-square-foot layout and even bigger than the 55,000-square-foot White House residence.
The Versailles-inspired design will include gold detailing, high ceilings, and elegant chandeliers. The goal is to create a grander setting for state events, foreign dinners, and official receptions — something Trump calls a “statement of American prestige.”
The Divide: Praise And Criticism
The decision has caused an uproar online, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where posts about the demolition have gained over 50,000 views. Opinions are split:
| Side | What They’re Saying |
|---|---|
| Supporters | Say it’s a bold and privately funded upgrade to a less historic section. They point out that other presidents also made structural changes, like FDR’s bunker or Truman’s rebuild. |
| Critics | Call it an unnecessary vanity project that wipes out history for luxury. They argue it’s the wrong time for such a project when the economy is struggling. |
| Neutral Voices | Acknowledge that the East Wing isn’t part of the White House’s original design but raise questions about what’s happening underground with the PEOC. |
What’s Next
According to officials, the main residence and West Wing will not be affected, and the PEOC bunker will remain secured. The new ballroom design will soon be presented to the National Capital Planning Commission for approval. Once approved, it will mark one of the most ambitious transformations in White House history.
For now, the sound of demolition around the East Wing is a clear sign that history is being rewritten — both literally and symbolically.
