Massive demolition work began this week on the White House’s East Wing as part of United States President Donald Trump’s plans to build a new ballroom in a space traditionally reserved for the first lady.The construction, which started on Monday, is the first structural change to the complex since 1948, and the first under Trump, who has already redecorated the Oval Office in lavish gold furnishings.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listAccording to reporting by The Associated Press news agency, the project went ahead despite not being formally approved by the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency that oversees such operations, which is currently closed due to a nationwide government shutdown.Trump first announced the new addition to the White House in July and again confirmed it in a post on Monday on his social media site, Truth Social.Here’s what to know about the ballroom plans: The White House is seen as the sun begins to set, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Washington, DC [Jacquelyn Martin/AP]Why is the East Wing of the White House being demolished?Trump, in his announcement on Monday, said the East Wing is being reconstructed to add a ballroom. The president had, in the past, complained about the White House lacking a space large enough to host fellow national leaders and other important guests, according to the AP. Such state dinners have typically been held on the White House lawns.“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” Trump wrote on Monday, adding that the project was being funded entir …
