(Washington) - US President Trump has confirmed that he will demolish the entire East Wing of the White House to accommodate his plan to build a large ballroom. Demolition work has already begun, sparking protests from Democrats and heritage groups.
After photos of the East Wing being demolished by a large excavator surfaced on Monday (October 20), Trump confirmed to reporters at the White House on Wednesday during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Trump said he conducted "extensive research with some of the world's best architects" and determined that demolishing the entire East Wing would be the best option for the ballroom. This contradicts his previous statement that the project would not affect existing buildings.
Trump also revealed that the cost of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which can accommodate 1,000 people, has increased from the $200 million (approximately S$260 million) announced in July to $300 million, "and will be paid entirely by myself and a few friends."
The East Wing of the White House primarily serves as the office of the First Lady. An administration official said the demolition work will be completed within two weeks, and "the entire East Wing will be modernized and renovated to support the ballroom project."
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The Trump administration's demolition of parts of the historic White House has sparked angry protests from Democrats and questions about whether the administration followed due process. However, the White House has dismissed the criticism as "manufactured outrage."
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sent a letter to the Trump administration on Tuesday, requesting a halt to the demolition until the National Capital Planning Commission completes its review of the expansion project. The trust expressed concern that the 90,000-square-foot ballroom would dwarf the 55,000-square-foot White House.
