2:18The ongoing dismantling of the East Wing, along with construction for the new ballroom at the White House, is displayed on Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington.Katie Harbath/AP
A well-known story recounts George Washington felling his father’s cherry tree.
Imagery from satellites indicates President Donald Trump’s initiative to erect a $300 million opulent ballroom appears to have led to the removal of at least half a dozen trees on the White House grounds — including a duo of significant magnolia trees honoring Presidents Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The satellite pictures made public on Thursday give the most comprehensive view as of yet of the scope of the demolition efforts on the White House’s East Wing and its impact on the adjacent parkland — alterations executed without input from the governmental body created by federal statute to guarantee the upkeep and sanctity of government buildings in D.C., as per past commission members who engaged with ABC News.
Satellite images of White House East Wing remodel progressPlanet
Obvious building activity on the new ballroom seems to have commenced more than twenty-one days prior, according to satellite visuals of the White House complex obtained throughout the preceding month. An image captured on Sept. 26 reveals ground work for the construction, encompassing the felling of several trees in President’s Park.
The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden — initiated by first lady Edith Roosevelt as the Colonial Garden in 1903 adjacent to the East Wing — was likewise cleared out during the demolition, as per satellite visuals. Earlier in the year, Trump also paved the Rose Garden, which was conceived by the identical architect who fashioned the Kennedy Garden.
The White House stated in an announcement this summer that the undertaking would get underway in September and be finalized "well before the completion of President Trump's tenure."
Satellite depictions of the White House acquired by Planet Labs on Thursday indicate that the East Wing has been dismantled, while ground preparation seems to have begun on neighboring land that the ballroom is slated to occupy.
Work persists on the demolition of a section of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, prior to the erection of a new ballroom.Jacquelyn Martin/AP
No less than six trees that previously encircled the East Wing appear to have been uprooted from the White House grounds, according to the images.
A duo of notable magnolia trees initially stemming from the 1940s — recognized as memorial trees for Presidents Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt — seem to have been displaced throughout the construction.
A magnolia tree honoring Harding was initially set in place by first lady Florence Harding in 1922 to the northeast of the entrance to the original 1902 East Wing, as stated by the National Park Service. The tree was transplanted in 1947 and later re-designated as a memorial tree in the 1950s, as per the park service.
The Roosevelt tree was initially planted in 1942 to the southeast of the entrance to the newly built East Wing, as stated by the park service. The tree was recognized as a commemorative tree in the mid-1950s.
The White House offered no response concerning a request for feedback about the tree removals.
Trump had earlier assured that the ballroom endeavor would not "impinge upon the existing" East Wing structure.
"It’ll be in proximity to it, but unconnected, and gives full consideration to the current edifice, of which I'm the foremost admirer," Trump mentioned in July.
An official from the White House conveyed that Trump plans to present drafts to the National Capital Planning Commission for sanction but has not yet done so. In line with several former members of the NCPC, drafts have historically been submitted and green-lit before any teardown labor commenced.
When speaking of the ballroom project earlier this month, Trump conveyed wonder at what he described as the absence of a permission process, in contrast to his experience constructing edifices in New York.
"I inquired, 'How long will it necessitate me?' 'Sir, you’re able to initiate tonight, you’re without permissions.' I responded, 'You can’t be serious,'" Trump stated. "They replied, 'Sir, this is the White House, you're the President of the United States, your capabilities are unlimited.'"
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
