The Trump administration has confirmed plans to demolish the East Wing of the White House to make way for a new ballroom. This decision comes months after President Donald Trump assured that the building's facade would remain intact. A White House official stated that the entire East Wing, typically used as a workspace for the first lady, will be modernized and rebuilt, although no specific timeline has been provided for the project.

Recent developments contradict Trump's earlier comments from July, where he claimed the construction would not interfere with the existing structure. "It won’t interfere with the current building," he said at the time. "It’ll be near it, but not touching it, and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of."

Dramatic images of the demolition show construction equipment actively tearing into the East Wing's facade and windows, with debris scattered on the ground. Reporters observed the activity from a nearby park. Despite the ongoing demolition, the White House has not yet received approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees construction and major renovations of government buildings in Washington, D.C.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation expressed concerns in a letter to the administration, stating that the construction would "overwhelm the White House itself." They urged the administration and the National Park Service to pause the demolition until the ballroom plans undergo the required public review processes.

Demolition began on Monday and is expected to be completed by the weekend. In a statement, the Trump administration described the ballroom as "a bold, necessary addition that echoes the storied history of improvements and additions from commanders-in-chief to keep the executive residence as a beacon of American excellence."

Late-night host Stephen Colbert commented on the demolition, calling it "deeply unsettling." He noted, "We’re just nine months into Trump’s term, and he’s already going ‘Hulk smash’ on the White House. Last time, it took at least four years to bring a demo crew to the Capitol," referencing the events of January 6, 2021.

Originally built in 1902, the East Wing has undergone renovations over the years, including a second story added in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The ballroom project is set to be the most significant structural change to the White House since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948. The ballroom is expected to span 90,000 square feet, cost $200 million, and accommodate up to 650 guests, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, Trump announced on Wednesday that the project's cost has increased to $300 million, a 50% rise. He claims that he and private donors are funding the ballroom, but full financing details have not been disclosed.