Construction workers have begun tearing down a section of the East Wing of the White House to make way for a spacious ballroom, US President Donald Trump has announced. The project, which he described as a “new, big, beautiful” addition, is reportedly privately funded by a list of generous donors including Apple, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Coinbase. Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social that the ballroom will accommodate state dinners, visits, and grand parties, emphasizing that it will not cost the American taxpayer a cent.
Photos and footage of the demolition have been widely shared on social media, showcasing the progress of the project. Speaking at a recent dinner with business leaders, Trump stated that the $250-million endeavor would be funded by private entities, which he described as “generous Patriots” and “Great American Companies.” He also expressed frustration over the White House’s current lack of a large enough venue for state events, which have frequently been held on the South Lawn in temporary tents.
Despite the announcement, the project has drawn swift criticism from Democrats. California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of “ripping apart the White House just like he’s ripping apart the Constitution,” while Florida Senator Darren Soto labeled the ballroom a “disgrace.” White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung responded to the backlash, stating that “construction has always been a part of the evolution of the White House” and that “losers who are quick to criticize need to stop their pearl clutching and understand the building needs to be modernized.”