2:36Work begins on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 20, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. Evan Vucci/AP
A segment of the White House’s East Wing met its end on Monday, as President Donald Trump embarks on erecting a sizable ballroom.
Imagery reveals that a section of the East Wing’s entrance facade, situated opposite the Treasury Department, is being taken apart.
"As you are aware, we're building in the space just behind us. We're constructing a ballroom. It has been desired for 150 years, and I'm bestowing that distinction upon this remarkable place," Trump remarked on Monday while hosting a celebration in the White House East Room for the 2025 NCAA national champion Louisiana State University baseball squad.
Work begins on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 20, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom.Evan Vucci/AP
In July, Trump introduced his intentions to add a sprawling 90,000-square-foot ballroom to the White House grounds. At that time, Trump guaranteed the ballroom would not impinge on the current White House structure.
"It will not encroach upon the existing edifice. It will not. It will be nearby, yet not adjoined to it, and will show complete deference to the present building, of which I am its foremost admirer. It's my preferred spot. It's my favored location," Trump articulated during an executive order signing event in July.
However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated during a late July press conference revealing the ballroom that the East Wing would be "revamped."
“The necessary building work will transpire,” she stated at the time.
On Monday, Trump proclaimed on his social media platform that "the first phase has begun" for the ballroom venture.
"Wholly separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is undergoing a complete modernization as part of this endeavor, and upon completion, it will be even more stunning!" Trump communicated.
Trump also reiterated that the project is "being funded privately by various generous Patriots, exceptional American Enterprises, and, indeed, myself."
During an occasion in the East Room on Monday afternoon recognizing the Louisiana State University and LSU-Shreveport championship baseball teams, Trump announced that work had commenced on a "demolition panel" that will directly join the ballroom.
"But observe the gold draperies. That's a knockout panel. We knock it inwards. You proceed, that is removed, and then you have essentially glass, and precisely in keeping with the White House's decoration," Trump stated Monday, pointing to draperies in the East Room.
The press release from the White House publicizing the ballroom said that the ballroom's "theme and architectural essence will closely mirror" those of the White House.
The location for the fresh ballroom will be where the small, heavily altered, and rebuilt East Wing presently resides, the press release further stated.
The East Wing was erected in 1902 and has undergone prior renovations, inclusive of a 1942 refurbishment that incorporated a second level, according to the press statement.
The White House and the White House Historical Association did not furnish an immediate response for comment regarding the demolition.
The news was initially reported by The Washington Post.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
