East Wing demolition
Trump Appoints Shalom Baranes as New Architect for $300 Million White House Ballroom Project
Dec 05, 2025 03:05 pm CST
President Donald Trump has selected architect Shalom Baranes to lead the $300 million White House ballroom project after reported disagreements with the original designer James McCrery. The ambitious privately-funded initiative, which has already resulted in the demolition of the entire East Wing, aims to create a space capable of hosting 1,000 guests but has raised concerns about potentially overshadowing the historic presidential residence.
Kamala Harris Condemns Trump's $300 Million White House Ballroom Plan Amid Food Assistance Crisis
Nov 02, 2025 02:40 am CST
Kamala Harris has sharply criticized President Donald Trump's proposed $300 million White House ballroom expansion that would demolish the East Wing, calling it unconscionable while millions of Americans face losing food assistance during the government shutdown. The privately-funded luxury project contrasts starkly with the urgent needs of vulnerable families as federal SNAP benefits hang in the balance.
The Historic Legacy of the White House East Wing: A Century of First Ladies' Contributions Now Demolished
Oct 27, 2025 12:59 am CST
The White House East Wing, described by Betty Ford as the "heart" of the nation and home to over a century of First Ladies' initiatives, was recently demolished under President Trump's administration to make way for a $300 million ballroom project. This historic space witnessed the evolution of the First Lady role from social hostess to powerful advocate, hosting pioneering work on issues ranging from drug prevention to literacy and military family support, while serving as the operational center for White House state dinners and holiday celebrations.
Trump Defends $250 Million White House East Wing Demolition for New Ballroom: "Music to My Ears"
Oct 22, 2025 12:10 pm CST
President Trump dismisses criticism over the demolition of the White House East Wing to build a $250 million "world-class ballroom," claiming it will be privately funded. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton leads Democrats in condemning the renovation, calling it symbolic of broader concerns about Trump's approach to democracy and government institutions.
Inside Trump's $250 Million White House Ballroom Project: Construction Begins with East Wing Demolition
Oct 22, 2025 09:40 am CST
Construction has begun on President Trump's privately-funded $250 million White House ballroom project, involving partial demolition of the East Wing. The 90,000-square-foot ballroom, nearly twice the size of the main White House, will accommodate 999 people and resembles Trump's Mar-a-Lago ballroom. Despite proceeding without National Capital Planning Commission approval, Trump insists the project continues the historical tradition of presidential additions to the White House.
White House Begins Historic East Wing Demolition for Trump's $250 Million Privately-Funded Ballroom
Oct 21, 2025 07:53 pm CST
The White House has commenced demolition of the historic East Wing to construct President Trump's ambitious $250 million privately-funded ballroom, despite lacking formal approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. The 90,000-square-foot glass-walled structure will accommodate 999 people and represents the most significant modification to the Executive Mansion since 1948, with completion scheduled before January 2029.