Overview
- The Washington Post reported on Oct. 23 that the East Wing was almost completely demolished to make room for a ballroom proposed by President Trump.
- A Reuters photo dated Oct. 23 shows the East Wing reduced to rubble in Washington, reinforcing accounts of extensive teardown.
- Regional Japanese outlets on Oct. 24 relayed the Post’s report, with some headlines characterizing the wing as completely demolished.
- Coverage notes Trump initially said the construction would not affect the existing structure, a claim undercut by the current state of the site.
- Reports describe work starting Oct. 20 and accelerating with heavy machinery, and cite a U.S. official saying the East Wing will be rebuilt in a modern way, with no independent White House statement included in these pieces.