The White House's East Wing has been demolished to make way for a ballroom, sparking controversy and debate. The iconic wing, built in 1902, once housed offices for the First Lady and staff. Despite initial promises that the project wouldn't interfere with the 'people's house', the entire annex has been removed, leaving a gaping void. The demolition, which began on Monday, was confirmed by President Trump after images of the ongoing work surfaced on news sites. By Thursday, the Washington Post reported that the decades-old wing had been completely dismantled, raising questions about the administration's adherence to proper protocols. The project has faced backlash from Democrats, who argue that it constitutes irreversible damage to the White House's historic fabric. However, Republicans defend the renovation, comparing it to past White House enhancements, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt's swimming pool and Barack Obama's basketball court. The ballroom, set to be 90,000 square feet, is expected to be completed before Trump's term ends in 2029, at a cost of $300 million, with the President claiming it will be funded by himself and 'friends' without taxpayer money. The White House has released a list of donors, including tech giants like Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta. Trump refutes transparency claims, citing newspaper photos of the ballroom's future design. However, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, acknowledges the President's transparency but explains that the plans evolved after consultations with architects and construction companies. The demolition has sparked concerns about oversight, as the White House struggles to identify the entity responsible for monitoring the process. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has urged a pause until the National Capital Planning Commission review is complete, fearing the ballroom's size might overwhelm the White House. Despite the ongoing controversy, the White House assures that the project will adhere to the necessary review processes, with potential public comment opportunities.
