Republicans are cringing at Trump's demolition derby of the East Wing
Share and Follow

A recent survey indicates a significant number of Republicans feel uneasy about Donald Trump’s latest renovations to the White House, with only 45 percent in favor of his plan to tear down parts of the East Wing.

Within the Republican respondents, 28 percent expressed disapproval, while 27 percent were uncertain about supporting the dramatic transformation that has stirred Washington.

Findings from a YouGov America poll show that merely 33 percent of American adults endorse the ballroom initiative, and a mere 24 percent are in favor of the East Wing’s destruction.

However, a notable 63 percent of Republicans stand behind the comprehensive renovation efforts, according to the survey.

On Wednesday, Trump defended his choice to dismantle the East Wing, asserting that to execute the renovations correctly, the existing structure needed to be removed as it had never impressed him.

At first, the ballroom structure was only going to impact a part of the building, but the president then updated the public saying conversations with architects are what led up to the decision to knock down the entire East Wing.

Initially, Trump had insisted that the 83-year-old structure would remain untouched during the construction of the then $250 million privately funded ballroom.

The White House responded to a reporter Thursday during the White House briefing, saying that the President has released the list of donors and will soon release the amount that each donor is paying into the project, as well as his own funds. 

‘There will be a big beautiful ballroom that will hold many galas and notable dignitaries and leaders for years to come,’ Leavitt said. 

However, when photos emerged Monday showing a backhoe tearing into the historic building’s walls, concerns quickly mounted.

Asked why the demolition was necessary during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump replied, ‘It was never thought of as being much.’

He added that the second-story addition, built to house the first lady’s offices, ‘was not particularly nice.’

‘After extensive study with some of the world’s top architects, we decided that tearing it down—while preserving a small section—was the best option,’ he said.

Trump plans to pay for the renovations himself, with donors help.  

Overall, 33% of US adults approve of the ballroom project and 24% support the East Wing demolition, according to a YouGov America Oct. 21 survey of over 2,000 adults.

A majority – 63 percent – back his more general renovations.

The survey, conducted just one day after work began on the $300 million ballroom, saw a wave of backlash from both sides—especially from Democrats who flooded social media with images accusing the president of ‘destroying’ the White House.

According to the poll, 77% of Democrats disapprove not only of the renovation plans but also of the demolition required to make way for the new additions.

Independents tend to side more with Democrats on the matter, with a majority opposing both the renovations and the plan to demolish sections of the East Wing to accommodate the new additions—disapproval stands at 55% and 54%, respectively.

On Wednesday, Trump defended the decision to demolish the East Wing, insisting that ‘to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure,’ and that it ‘never impressed him.’

At first, the ballroom structure was only going to impact a part of the building, but the president then updated the public saying conversations with architects are what led up to the decision to knock down the entire East Wing.

The facade of the East Wing of the White House is demolished by work crews on Wednesday

The facade of the East Wing of the White House is demolished by work crews on Wednesday

Heavy machinery tears down a section of the East Wing of the White House as construction begins on President Donald Trump's planned ballroom, in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

Heavy machinery tears down a section of the East Wing of the White House as construction begins on President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom, in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

President Donald Trump admitted Wednesday that the East Wing never impressed him as he held up mock-ups of his gilded White House ballroom that will take its place

President Donald Trump admitted Wednesday that the East Wing never impressed him as he held up mock-ups of his gilded White House ballroom that will take its place 

When pressed about criticisms over a lack of transparency regarding the complete demolition, Trump pushed back sharply.

‘I haven’t been transparent about this? Really? I’ve shown this to everybody who would listen,’ he said. ‘Third-rate reporters didn’t see it because they didn’t look. You’re a third-rate reporter.’

Of the 47 presidents so far that have passed through the oval office, many have made changes, although not quite on this scale. Presidents have added their own furniture and decorations, heated swimming pools and even recreational constructs like a bowling alley. 

Critics say the President is turning the People’s house into his own ‘Mar-a-Lago.’

A number of former staffers of Republican First Lady Pat Nixon have written to the National Capital Planning Commission to try and get the project stopped, according the East Wing Magazine. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Pope Leo XIV condemns 'antisemitic violence' after massacre in Sydney: 'We must eliminate hatred'

Pope Leo XIV Denounces Antisemitic Violence Following Sydney Tragedy: Calls for Eradication of Hatred

Pope Leo XIV denounced the recent surge of “antisemitic violence” following a…
Did anyone win Monday's $419M Powerball jackpot? Check the winning numbers

Breaking News: $1.1 Billion Powerball Jackpot Winner Revealed – Find Out if You’re the Lucky Ticket Holder!

Monday’s lottery prize ranks as the sixth-largest in Powerball’s history. WASHINGTON —…
Mexican lawmakers filmed pulling hair and shoving each other during heated Congress floor debate

Heated Clash: Mexican Lawmakers Caught in Physical Altercation During Congress Debate

In an unexpected turn of events, chaos erupted on the floor of…
Hunter Biden's 'sugar brother' Kevin Morris moves to drop lawsuit over alleged doxxing, harassment

Hunter Biden’s Ally Kevin Morris Seeks Dismissal of Controversial Doxxing and Harassment Lawsuit

In a surprising turn of events, Kevin Morris, known for his close…
Aussies slam 'insane' comments from Americans about Bondi Beach attack

Outrage Erupts as Australians Condemn Controversial American Remarks on Bondi Beach Incident

In the wake of a tragic event at Bondi Beach, tensions have…
Brian Walshe looks at the jury while seated with his attorney Kelli Porges in Norfolk Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Justice Served: Brian Walshe Convicted in 3-Year Cold Case of Missing Wife’s Murder

In the somber walls of a Boston courtroom, Brian Walshe was convicted…
Kevin Bacon breaks down over Rob Reiner and his wife's shock murders

Kevin Bacon Emotionally Reacts to the Tragic Murders of Rob Reiner and His Wife

Kevin Bacon recently became emotional as he discussed the tragic loss of…
MIT professor shot dead in Brookline home, Massachusetts State Police launch homicide investigation

MIT Professor Fatally Shot in Brookline Residence; Massachusetts State Police Initiate Homicide Investigation

Authorities have launched a homicide investigation following the fatal shooting of a…