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2d ago

White House East Wing Razed as Trump Pushes $300 Million, Privately Funded Ballroom

Officials plan to submit designs for public review after demolition, a stance that has drawn preservation and ethics scrutiny over donors and compliance.

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Debris is seen at a largely demolished part of the East Wing of the White House, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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Construction workers atop the U.S. Treasury, bottom left, watch as work continues on a largely demolished part of the East Wing of the White House, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Overview

  • Associated Press photos and new satellite imagery confirm the entire East Wing has been demolished to clear space for a roughly 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
  • The White House released a donor list featuring Apple, Google, Meta, Palantir and Lockheed Martin, prompting fresh questions about influence and transparency.
  • Formal construction plans have not yet been filed with the National Capital Planning Commission, whose October meeting was canceled during the government shutdown.
  • Press secretary Karoline Leavitt says taxpayers will not pay for the project and that the East Wing will be rebuilt and modernized alongside the new venue.
  • Preservation groups urge a pause and public review, and an asbestos watchdog says no compliance documents have been disclosed as critics warn the new massing could overwhelm the residence.