In a significant development at the White House, demolition crews have begun dismantling a section of the East Wing. This marks the initial steps towards constructing a new ballroom, an endeavor championed by President Trump.

The Washington Post captured images of construction crews actively working on the East Wing. Eyewitnesses confirmed to the publication that demolition activities were indeed underway. Observers, including members of the Secret Service, were seen watching the unfolding scene from the nearby Treasury Department steps, with the commotion reportedly audible across the White House grounds.

Efforts to obtain a statement from the White House regarding this development have been initiated by The Hill. The ambitious project comes with a hefty price tag of $200 million, aiming to transform the area into a grand 90,000-square-foot event space.

Historically, the East Wing has been a domain for first ladies and their staff. However, the new ballroom, planned for completion before the end of Trump’s second term in 2029, intends to serve as a venue for state dinners and gatherings involving other prominent personalities.

President Trump envisions this ballroom as a legacy project, providing an opulent setting for future presidents to host and entertain dignitaries and distinguished guests.

“We’ve been planning it for a long time,” the president said in August. “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years. There’s never been a president that was good at ballrooms. I’m really good.” 

Trump added that no government funds will be used to construct the ballroom.

Last week, the president hosted a dinner for donors helping to fund the ballroom’s construction in the East Room. Attendees included representatives from Microsoft, Google, Palantir and other companies, as well as wealthy figures such as Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman and Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.

However, plans for the ballroom have angered critics who have called it a vanity project and a distraction.