The East Wing of the White House, home to the first lady’s offices and the public entrance, was demolished this week to make way for President Donald Trump’s planned $300 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The move marks the most significant change to the building’s exterior in 83 years and has sparked public and preservationist backlash over the lack of oversight and transparency.
A lawsuit from a Virginia couple aims to halt the project, claiming it bypassed required approvals. Preservation groups and the American Institute of Architects have condemned the demolition, urging Congress to investigate and calling for more public involvement.
Although the White House is exempt from certain preservation laws, critics say previous projects involved more consultation and review. The White House Historical Association reports that all historic artifacts from the East Wing have been preserved. Officials say the new ballroom will be completed by the end of Trump’s term, though full project plans have not been publicly released.
