Demolition Begins to Make Way for New ‘World-Class’ White House Ballroom

The project will be financed without taxpayer money, with completion expected before end of Trump’s term in early 2029.

Work begins on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House on Oct. 20, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. Evan Vucci/AP Photo

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump on Oct. 20 launched a major renovation at the White House, beginning demolition of the East Wing to build a privately funded ballroom.

“We took over a building that was not properly taken care of,” Trump said on Oct. 21, while hosting Republican senators for lunch at the newly renovated White House Rose Garden.