Trump White House demolition photos off-limits to Treasury
Workers demolish the facade of the East Wing of the White House on October 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images
Department of Treasury Staff were told not to share photos of the East Wing of the White House because parts of it were being demolished to build a new building. ball-room This happened at the behest of President Donald Trump, a spokesperson confirmed to NBC News on Tuesday.
The Treasury’s warning came after photos of excavators demolishing parts of the building during preparation for the planned 90,000 square metre, $250 million ballroom went viral online.
In July, Trump said the ballroom construction “will not interfere with the existing building.”
“He’ll be next to it, but he won’t touch it, and he’ll have full respect for the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” Trump said of the White House at the time.
The Treasury Department is located adjacent to the East Wing, with a clear view of the demolition work.
“Carelessly shared photos of the White House complex could potentially reveal sensitive items, including security features or classified structural details,” a Treasury spokesperson told NBC.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have urged our employees to refrain from sharing these images.”
The Wall Street Journal first reported the Treasury’s message.
“Trump’s billionaire ballroom. This is a disgrace. Welcome to the Second Gilded Age.” Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., tweeted MondayAbove is a photo from the Washington Post showing the demolition work.
Trump said he and private donors will finance the construction of the ballroom.
