Overview
- In a Fox News interview, President Trump said he “could’ve built the ballroom around” the East Wing but chose demolition, calling the structure a “poor, sad sight” that “looked like hell.”
- He argued keeping the East Wing would have forced “an OK ballroom,” while pledging the new venue will be “one of the greatest ballrooms in the world” with no government funds used.
- Asked about reports that Melania Trump had concerns, he said she loved her East Wing office but now views the project as “great.”
- Michelle Obama renewed criticism, saying the East Wing is the “heart” of a first lady’s work and that tearing it down reflects how the role is valued.
- The project is described as a privately financed, roughly 90,000‑square‑foot, $250–$300 million addition with construction underway; the White House says offices will be rebuilt, and reports project completion in early 2029.