Demolition begins on White House East Wing for Trump’s US$250 million ballroom
Construction crews are tearing down part of the historic complex to make way for what Trump calls the ‘finest’ 999-person ballroom
Demolition crews were tearing down part of the White House’s storied East Wing on Monday to begin building US President Donald Trump’s ballroom, a project he had said would not interfere with the existing landmark.
Large construction equipment was seen picking apart the facade of the building, a part of the White House complex that has housed the first lady’s offices, a theatre, and a visitor’s entrance that welcomes foreign dignitaries.
The ballroom project is expected to cost upwards of US$250 million, which Trump said in July would be paid by himself and donors.
“It will be beautiful,” Trump said at the time. “It won’t interfere with the current building. It won’t be – it will be near it, but not touching it. And pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of. It’s my favourite.”
The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Monday about the demolition to the current East Wing building.
Trump announced on Monday that ground had been broken on the project after images of the demolition began circulating in news reports.