The east wing of the White House is set for demolition, making room for President Trump’s ambitious banquet hall project.
“To do it right, we had to take down the current structure,” Trump mentioned during a press briefing in the Oval Office, pointing to a visual of the planned ballroom.
This decision to proceed with the demolition became public after a video surfaced online, showing a crane beginning the project.
When the initiative was first revealed in July, Trump assured that the construction of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom “won’t interfere with the existing building.”
“It’s nearby, but we won’t disturb it, and we have utmost respect for the current structure. I’m its biggest supporter,” he added.
Officials associated with the White House noted that the new banquet hall would be “substantially separate from the main White House building.”
However, on Wednesday, Trump stated that following discussions with architects, he concluded that demolishing the east wing was the best course of action.
“It wasn’t seen as a big deal. It’s just a small building,” he remarked about the East Tower.
Trump showcased a photo of the ballroom and explained that it would be a venue for hosting world leaders. He indicated that the estimated cost is $300 million, which will likely be funded by himself and donors, rather than the initially projected $200 million.
“I believe it’s going to be one of the finest ballrooms anywhere in the world,” he stated.
Recent comments by Trump at a social event have prompted a strong backlash from Democrats.
“The east wing is coming down to create a banquet hall where Donald Trump will be celebrated like royalty,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York.
Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut described the undertaking as a “huge spectacle.”
According to White House officials, several functions and offices previously housed in the east wing have been relocated within the complex. The first lady’s office and the social secretary’s position have shifted to the main White House, while the offices related to military affairs, graphics and calligraphy, visitors, and legislative matters have moved to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The East Wing was initially constructed in 1942 during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency to “accommodate additional staff and offices” and has been adapted over the years to serve the First Lady’s staff and social functions.
The White House Historical Association noted that after the ballroom project was disclosed, it “backed the preservation of the East Wing’s history through a detailed digital scanning effort and photography to maintain a historical record.”
“The east wing and gardens have been thoroughly photographed, and historic artifacts from the east wing have been preserved for future generations,” the WHHA reported.
