{"id":80865,"date":"2025-10-23T11:21:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T08:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/?p=80865"},"modified":"2025-10-23T11:21:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T08:21:24","slug":"trump-build-250-million-ballroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/trump-build-250-million-ballroom\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump demolishes White House East Wing to build $250 million ballroom"},"content":{"rendered":"

A major transformation is underway at the White House as President Donald Trump<\/a> moves forward with plans to demolish the building\u2019s East Wing. The $250 million project aims to construct a new, modern ballroom on the site, with Trump saying the \u201cexisting structure must be torn down.\u201d Demolition work began Monday and is expected to be completed by the weekend.<\/p>\n

Historic building to be replaced<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Originally announced as a limited renovation, the project has since expanded to include the complete removal of the East Wing. Built in 1902 and last modified in 1942, the section has long housed offices for the First Lady, staff, and various ceremonial functions.<\/p>\n

Addressing criticism over transparency, Trump told reporters, \u201cI think we\u2019ve been more transparent than anyone\u2019s ever been,\u201d emphasizing that the building had \u201cchanged many times over the years.\u201d He added that the new construction would be fully funded by himself and private donors, noting that \u201cthe military is also involved\u201d in the project.<\/p>\n

Backlash from preservation groups<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Washington-based nonprofit, expressed \u201cdeep concern\u201d over the demolition, urging the administration to halt construction and conduct a public review process. The organization reminded officials that the White House is a national historic landmark that should be protected.<\/p>\n

Trump dismissed the criticism, stating that the East Wing is \u201ccompletely separate\u201d from the main building and that \u201cno historic elements will be damaged.\u201d<\/p>\n

Political reactions grow<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Democrats have condemned the project, accusing the president of disregarding the historical significance of the White House. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrote on X: \u201cThe White House isn\u2019t Trump\u2019s house \u2014 and he\u2019s destroying it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Administration officials argue that the demolition was necessary to modernize security and technology within the complex. Trump insists the new ballroom will \u201chonor the legacy\u201d of the building while meeting the needs of the modern presidency.
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