WASHINGTON – In a move that has reshaped the visitor experience at the White House, President Donald Trump has overseen the construction of a grand ballroom where the historic East Wing once stood. This transformation means tourists now enter through an alternative entrance and encounter a shortened tour, as the number of historic rooms available for viewing has decreased.

Despite these changes, many visitors remain enthralled by the chance to witness the White House adorned in festive cheer, courtesy of First Lady Melania Trump’s Christmas decorations. On Wednesday, those on the self-guided tour expressed delight at seeing the holiday embellishments firsthand.

Tour operations resumed on Tuesday after a pause in September to accommodate the ballroom’s construction, which included the East Wing’s demolition in October. The resumption of tours has been eagerly anticipated, with visitors relishing the opportunity to explore the storied residence once more.

Among the visitors was Kevin Heins from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who voiced his appreciation for the tours’ return. He and his wife found particular joy in the Red Room, which is now adorned with over 10,000 blue butterflies. This whimsical design choice is emblematic of transformation and aligns with the First Lady’s efforts through the Fostering the Future program, a component of her Be Best initiative aimed at supporting youth.

A symbol of transformation, the butterflies celebrate young people the first lady tries to help through Fostering the Future, which is part of the Be Best child-centered initiative she launched during the first Trump administration.

Susan Bare, of Kannapolis, North Carolina, also liked the butterflies because they remind her of her late son, who planted a butterfly bush before a car accident took his life.

“My Christmas tree has butterflies on it,” Bare said.

Other visitors commented on how quickly they were able to finish the tour, which has been limited to just the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.

“The tour was significantly longer last year,” said Amiah Henry, a student at Sulphur High School in Sulphur, Louisiana. “It got cut down a lot.”

Rooms one level below on the Ground Floor, such as the China and Vermeil Rooms, are now off-limits to the public because of the construction. Additionally, some staff displaced by the loss of the East Wing are using some of those spaces as temporary offices.

“It’s definitely a big change. There was a lot of, like, beauty in the East Wing, and that was my favorite part of the tour,” said Henry, who spoke as noise from the construction could be heard in the distance. “I’m sad I didn’t get to see it today, but, you know, what can I do?”

Heins, who is retired after a career in law enforcement and the military, said the ballroom construction would ultimately add value to the White House.

“The tour was a little bit shorter, but I think in the long run, with the extension of the ballroom, I think it’s going to be a good thing because you won’t have to wait outside in tents for events and all that,” Heins said. “I just think that, with our country, we should have something nice to host events at the White House.”