Demolition of the White House East Wing Set to Begin

Thu Oct 23 2025 04:36:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The East Wing of the White House will be completely demolished within days as part of a major renovation project announced by President Trump. This move raises concerns among preservationists regarding the historic nature of the structure.

In a significant construction update, the entire East Wing of the White House is slated for demolition within days, as confirmed by officials from the Trump administration. The action is part of a larger renovation aimed at creating a new ballroom. Historically built in 1902, the East Wing has not undergone major changes since 1942, leading to criticisms from preservationists who argue it should be safeguarded due to its historic importance.

The entirety of the East Wing of the White House will be demolished within days, two Trump administration officials have said.

Construction crews began demolishing parts of the structure on Monday, and the structure will be completely torn down by the weekend, the officials told the BBC's US news partner CBS.

This marks a significant expansion of a construction project announced by President Donald Trump over the summer. He previously stated that his $250 million (£186 million) White House ballroom addition would not interfere with the current building.

The White House has served as the historic home of the US president for two centuries. The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.

Trump announced the construction had begun in a social media post on Monday, saying ground has been broken on the much-needed ballroom space.

For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc, he wrote.

He emphasized that the East Wing was completely separate from the White House, although it is attached to the main structure.

Administration officials indicated that it was always understood the East Wing needed modernization for enhanced security and technology, but during the planning process, it became clear that complete demolition would be the best option.

Trump has referred to the construction as music to my ears. In remarks to Republican senators, he noted, When I hear that sound, it reminds me of money.

However, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has expressed deep concern regarding the demolition, urging a pause and a public review of the ballroom plans, citing the White House's status as a national historic landmark.