Excavator Demolishes East Wing as Trump Launches $200M Ballroom

Ground has officially broken for the construction of the new White House State Ballroom, a project estimated at $200 million. President Donald Trump announced the commencement of this initiative on March 18, 2024, revealing photographs showcasing the ongoing demolition of the East Wing facade. This ballroom, which Trump previously described as an essential upgrade, aims to modernize a space that has housed the Office of the First Lady and the White House visitor entrance.

The planned ballroom will span approximately 90,000 square feet, significantly larger than the current East Wing’s 12,000 square feet and exceeding the White House’s 55,000 square feet. According to the White House, the new ballroom will accommodate larger gatherings and state visits, with a seated capacity of 650 people. This surpasses the capacity of the existing East Room, which has been the site for many significant events.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “The East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process.” Funds for the construction will come from Trump himself and contributions from various donors, including significant figures from the business world. Notably, Trump is utilizing at least $22 million from a settlement related to his recent lawsuit against YouTube to support the ballroom’s funding.

Donors at a recent fundraising dinner included prominent billionaires such as Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, along with oil executive Harold G. Hamm. The guest list reportedly featured major companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google, reflecting a broad base of financial support for the endeavor.

Renderings of the ballroom, released in July 2023, showcased an elegant design featuring coffered ceilings, chandeliers, and large arched windows. The structure is intended to be architecturally similar to the White House, ensuring that its theme and heritage align closely with the historic residence, despite being a separate building.

While the timeline for completion remains unclear, the White House has indicated that the ballroom will be finished “long before the end of President Trump’s term.” Traditionally, larger events at the White House have been hosted on the South Lawn, often requiring tents for such occasions. This arrangement has been a point of contention for Trump during his presidency, as he has previously criticized the use of temporary structures for state dinners.

In a separate announcement, Trump unveiled plans for a massive triumphal arch in Arlington, Virginia, inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. While specific details about the cost and timeline for this project are still pending, the proposed arch is suggested to be taller than the Lincoln Memorial.

The ongoing developments surrounding the White House State Ballroom and the planned arch reflect Trump’s commitment to expanding and modernizing federal spaces to meet contemporary needs.