2:18A construction worker is seen sifting through debris after the East Wing of the White House was torn down, October 23, 2025, in Washington.Eric Lee/Getty Images
Brand new pictures, surfacing on Thursday, seemingly depict that the entire White House East Wing has been dismantled to clear the path for President Donald Trump's $300 million grand ballroom.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the demolition as she was questioned by journalists during Thursday's press conference.
Trump initially mentioned in July that the project would not impact the existing White House framework. But this week, as crews commenced tearing down the East Wing, an official stated that the "entire East Wing will undergo modernization" while the enormous 90,000 square foot ballroom is being constructed.
As of Thursday, satellite images sourced from Planet Labs PBC displayed the East Wing reduced to ruins.
The East Wing of the White House (L) is viewed in a satellite image obtained by Planet Labs PBC on Sep 26, 2025, alongside an image taken on Oct. 23, 2025.Planet Labs PBC
Efforts persist on the dismantling of a section of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, preceding the construction of a new ballroom.Jacquelyn Martin/AP
"This is the People's House. Why not inform the public of the change and when the decision was finalized that the East Wing would be required to be torn down?" ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce inquired of Leavitt.
"With every building undertaking, changes do happen. And we have made all of you aware, we've been keeping you informed about this project. We have presented the renderings," Leavitt responded.
"The plans were modified when the president received consultation from the architects and building firms who advised that for this East Wing to be contemporary and visually appealing for the distant future, and to be an exceptionally durable and sound framework, this initial phase we're in currently was imperative," Leavitt further added.
A hauling truck enters a temporary disposal site after offloading soil and remnants from the East Wing of the White House at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, October 23, 2025.Jessica Koscielniak/Reuters
Striking images of the construction sparked a flurry of criticism and inquiries, namely if the demolition could have been averted and who is supplying the funds for the endeavor.
The White House is mandating that some of the construction personnel engaged in dismantling the East Wing must sign confidentiality agreements, restricting them from divulging details about their assignment, as per a White House official and sources acquainted with the project.
An official from the White House informed ABC News that asking workers to sign NDA's is "routine," considering aspects of the project pertain to the operational protection of the White House.
"There is nothing out of the ordinary about requiring laborers to sign NDA's and it is commonplace," the White House official commented.
Addressing reporters' inquiries regarding the project earlier on Thursday, Leavitt stated: "Regarding the ballroom's cost and the construction efforts themselves, all of that is going to be, as I've mentioned, privately resourced and taken care of by the president himself and many charitable supporters who have offered their support," Leavitt explained. She also noted to anticipate a specific sum from Trump regarding his personal contribution to fund the ballroom, an endeavor he has been keen on for several years.
Remnants are observed at a largely demolished area of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, prior to the construction of a new ballroom.Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Later on Thursday, Trump was questioned by ABC's Bruce if he had accumulated the full $300 million to finance the ballroom.
"Yes. In fact, we've collected, I believe, $350 million," Trump stated. "It's all funds from donors and money we have invested, we have garnered — it will be, it will cost approximately $300 million. It's been enlarged and rendered completely — it will stand as the most stunning ballroom anywhere across the globe."
Captured from an aircraft, this image dated Oct. 23, 2025, illustrates the East Wing demolition underway in Washington, D.C.Katie Harbath
Regarding his personal contribution, Trump remarked: "I won't be able to tell you for certain until I am done, but I pledge to donate whatever sum is required, I assure you of that."
When prompted by ABC White House Correspondent Karen Travers about how much of his personal wealth he intends to allocate to the ballroom project, Trump replied, "Oh, several millions of dollars. Yes. You know, I also contribute, I give a substantial amount of money to the White House. As you are aware, I donate my salary, and I prefer to allocate it to the White House considering this place had been somewhat neglected."
Concerning a potential designation for the ballroom, Trump remained noncommittal, informing reporters that he wouldn't delve into that at present. Leavitt, in her briefing, suggested that there would be an official moniker for the ballroom and that Trump would unveil it upon making his determination.
President Donald Trump delivers comments during a discussion about criminal cartels in the State Dining Room of the White House, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington.Alex Wong/Getty Images
As stated by a White House official, the designs for the ballroom are still outstanding and have not been presented to the National Capital Planning Commission. When asked on Thursday if the president has the authority to demolish any structure at the White House at will, Leavitt countered that they are not required to seek endorsement for demolition, only for vertical construction.
Trump himself shared at a gathering for donors earlier this month that he was informed by "two gentlemen" that he could expedite changes without seeking clearance.
"I inquired, 'How extensive would this take?' They responded: 'Sir, commencement can begin this evening. There are no zoning constraints. You need no approvals,'" Trump recalled from the dinner. "I then stated, 'You must be jesting.' He responded, 'Sir, this constitutes the White House. You are the sitting President of the United States. You possess the ability to undertake any action you wish.'"
ABC News' Hannah Demissie and Katherine Faulders contributed their efforts to this coverage.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
