Overview
- On a podcast, Michelle Obama said she felt confusion and “a loss for us as a nation” watching the White House East Wing be torn down.
- The East Wing historically housed the first lady’s offices, and Melania Trump and her staff were temporarily relocated during the teardown.
- Reporting indicates demolition began on October 20 and concluded three days later as work cleared space for the new venue.
- The planned State Ballroom is described as roughly 90,000 square feet with seating for about 650, with media reports citing costs between $200 million and $300 million and expectations of completion before 2029.
- The White House has said the project uses no taxpayer funds and argued a larger indoor space is needed to host major state functions without temporary tents.