White House remodeling begins with Trump's demolition in the East Wing

"The White House on Monday started tearing down part of the East Wing, the traditional base of operations for the first lady, to build President Donald Trump's $250 million ballroom despite lacking approval for construction from the federal agency that oversees such projects.Dramatic photos of the demolition work showed construction equipment tearing into the East Wing façade and windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground. Some reporters watched from a park near the Treasury Department, which is next to the East Wing."

"Trump announced the start of construction in a social media post and referenced the work while hosting 2025 college baseball champs Louisiana State University and LSU-Shreveport in the East Room. He noted the work was happening "right behind us.""We have a lot of construction going on, which you might hear periodically," he said, adding, "It just started today."The White House has moved ahead with the massive construction project despite not yet having sign-off from the National Capital Planning Commission, which approves construction work and major renovations to government buildings in the Washington area."

The White House began tearing down part of the East Wing to build a $250 million presidential ballroom while lacking approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. Photographs show demolition equipment damaging the East Wing façade and debris scattered below, with reporters observing from nearby. President Trump announced the work on social media and mentioned it during an East Room event. White House officials moved forward despite the commission's pending sign-off and because the commission's chairman said the agency does not have jurisdiction over demolition or site preparation. The commission's offices are closed due to a government shutdown and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

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