Overview
- Crews began tearing into the East Wing on Monday, with photos showing smashed windows and gutted rooms, and a White House official confirming the demolition is for the ballroom that will replace the wing.
- Plans call for an 8,000-plus–square-meter venue with capacity for hundreds, which Trump recently said could accommodate up to 999 guests.
- The White House says the $200–$250 million cost will be covered by private donations, with a donor list promised but not yet released.
- Clark Construction has been tapped as contractor and McCrery Architects as designer.
- The National Capital Planning Commission’s role and approvals remain unclear, East Wing offices will be temporarily relocated, and ethics experts warn donor financing could offer privileged access to the president.