Overview
- In a televised interview, Trump said he could have built the new venue around the East Wing but opted for demolition, calling the structure a poor, altered remnant that "looked like hell."
- The president reiterated that the roughly 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom will be paid for by private donations with "zero" government funds.
- Asked about reports that Melania Trump initially had concerns, Trump said she "loved her little, tiny office" but now thinks the project is "great."
- Michelle Obama criticized the teardown as denigrating the traditional work of the first lady, renewing broader objections to removing the East Wing.
- The White House says the East Wing offices will be rebuilt within the project after the demolition to clear space for the ballroom.