The White House starts demolishing part of the East Wing to build Trump’s ballroom
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Monday began demolishing part of the East Wing, the first lady’s traditional base of operations, to build for President Donald Trump. Trump’s ballroom.
The Washington Post shared striking photos of the demolition work on its website, showing a backhoe tearing through the East Wing façade, leaving windows and other building parts shattered on the ground. Some reporters watched from a park near the Treasury Department, which is adjacent to the East Wing.
Clearing of trees and other site preparation work began in September.
The White House insists demolition work does not require approval from the National Capital Planning Commissionfor new construction only. The commission is responsible for approving construction and major renovations at government buildings in the Washington area. Its chairman is Will Scharf, who is also the White House chief of staff and one of Trump’s top aides.
The commission has not approved construction, and it is unclear whether the White House has submitted ballroom plans to the agency. The commission’s offices are closed due to the government shutdown.
The Republican president said he would add a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom because the East Room, the White House’s largest room, which seats about 200 people, was too small and he did not like the idea of hosting events in pavilions on the South Lawn.
Trump said last week that the ballroom would fit 999 people.
The White House said it would be completed before his term ends in January 2029.
