President Trump had the East Wing of the White House demolished this week, a change of course from previous statements that his massive, privately funded ballroom addition would be near but not touch the structure.
Starting Monday, construction equipment broke the facade of the portion of the White House complex that was home to offices of the first lady. By Thursday, very little remained.
“In order to do it properly we had to take down the existing structure,” Trump, flanked by renderings of the ballroom, told reporters Wednesday in the Oval Office.
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, Associated Press)
Work begins on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 20, 2025, in Washington. (Evan Vucci), Associated PressWork continues on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 21, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press)A window dangles from the East Wing as work continues on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 21, 2025, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press)Demolition continues on the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 22, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a ballroom. (Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press)Demolition continues on the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 22, 2025, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press)Demolition of the East Wing of the White House continues, Oct. 22, 2025, in Washington, to make room for President Trump’s new ballroom designs. (Associated Press)Construction workers atop the U.S. Treasury Department building, bottom left, watch as work continues on a largely demolished part of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press)Construction workers, bottom right, atop the U.S. Treasury Department watch as work continues on a largely demolished part of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press)
