Trump Advances $300M White House Ballroom Expansion Amid Scrutiny

President Trump is undertaking a controversial project to construct a massive new ballroom by demolishing the entire East Wing of the White House, despite earlier statements suggesting minimal impact to the existing structure. The new ballroom, expected to be around 90,000 square feet and able to accommodate 999 guests, significantly exceeds the size of the current East Room and has escalated in projected cost to approximately $300 million, partly funded by private donations including a $22 million settlement from YouTube. This demolition and expansion have sparked strong backlash from historical preservationists, Democratic politicians, and other critics, who question the legality and appropriateness of dismantling such a historic part of the White House without prior approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. Trump has defended the project as a gift to the American people, emphasizing its private funding and long-term use, while White House officials contend that the commission lacks jurisdiction over the East Wing demolition. The rapid pace of construction and restrictions on sharing images of the work have further fueled controversy. Despite internal skepticism among some aides at the project's outset, the president's determination has prevailed, and the White House appears committed to proceeding with the larger ballroom plan.