Overview
- During a Today interview, Obama laughed that "Now we don't have a building" after noting there is no guidebook and "barely a staff" for the first lady role.
- President Trump initially denied a full teardown, but the New York Times later reported confirmation from a senior official that the East Wing was demolished.
- Plans reported by outlets call for a replacement ballroom with a roughly $200 million cost and features including gold chandeliers and an ornate coffered ceiling.
- The dismantled East Wing historically housed the first lady’s office and served as the guest and tour entrance to the White House.
- Obama appeared to promote her book The Look and emphasized fashion’s diversity, while Jenna Bush Hager also highlighted her warm friendship with George W. Bush.