Construction crews began partial demolition work Monday on the East Wing of the White House to make way for a new ballroom, according to federal officials and public filings.

The renovation, which is being privately funded, immediately drew criticism from several left-leaning commentators and media outlets, some of whom claimed President Donald Trump was “demolishing” historic parts of the building.

If I ran for President in 2028, I’d run on taking a bulldozer to Trump’s ballroom, an utter desecration of the peoples’ house. In fact, I’d invite the American people one weekend to bring their own sledgehammers & crowbars to the White House to help tear that abomination down. https://t.co/gK9JTdaVGB

— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) October 20, 2025

Footage posted online showed sections of the East Wing facade being removed, prompting speculation that the construction could damage the historic character of the presidential residence.

However, White House officials confirmed that the East Wing addition under renovation is not part of the original structure and that the project had received all required preservation and construction approvals.

According to National Park Service records, the East Wing in its current form was built in 1942 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a practical addition that sits above a World War II-era bunker.

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The structure was intended primarily for office use and staff access, rather than as part of the original 19th-century White House design.

White House officials described the project as a modernization effort designed to improve functionality for official events and state gatherings.

The new ballroom will provide additional space for formal receptions, ceremonies, and press events, reducing the need for large outdoor tents currently used for major occasions.

Despite those explanations, several media figures and commentators reacted negatively to reports of the construction. CNN’s Jim Acosta and other outlets expressed concern that the renovation was altering the appearance of the White House, describing it as an unnecessary or damaging project.

So any president can just start destroying portions of the White House? Is that how this works? WaPo: White House begins demolishing East Wing facade to build Trump’s ballroom. https://t.co/K6xSaEiGq6

— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 20, 2025

Historical records show that modifications to the White House complex are not unusual. Multiple presidents have added recreational and structural features to accommodate modern needs.

President Harry S. Truman oversaw extensive reconstruction of the main residence between 1948 and 1952, including the creation of the current Oval Office. President Richard Nixon installed a bowling alley in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building after removing one from the West Wing.

President Barack Obama added a basketball court, while George W. Bush made extensive upgrades to the Situation Room.

The construction currently underway does not affect the historic main residence, the West Wing, or any preserved sections of the White House interiors.

Officials confirmed that preservation standards required by the National Park Service and the White House Historical Association are being followed throughout the process.

The new ballroom project is being financed through private donations rather than taxpayer funds. According to the White House, the ballroom will be equipped with modern event technology, improved accessibility, and additional security infrastructure.

Reaction to the project among the public has been mixed. Supporters have noted that the new space could reduce logistical strain during large events and formal gatherings, while critics argue that it reflects unnecessary expansion.

Trump has started demolishing the White House’s East Wing facade to build his ballroom. The president had claimed construction of the $250 million building wouldn’t ‘interfere’ with the existing White House structure — from me & @ddiamond https://t.co/KVCcpFPWiE

— Jonathan Edwards (@jonathanreports) October 20, 2025

White House staff have not released a completion date for the project, but said construction is expected to continue through the first half of 2026. The area affected by the work has been closed to public tours during the renovation period.

Officials said no significant damage to historic portions of the White House is expected during the process, and updates on the project’s progress will be provided through regular preservation briefings.