White House Begins Tearing Down East Wing to Make Way for Trump’s $200M Ballroom [Video]

Donald Trump officially kicked off the construction of a brand-new $200 million ballroom at the White House this week by tearing into the historic East Wing.

Video

During a celebratory event with LSU’s national championship baseball teams in the East Room, Trump confirmed that construction had begun. “

It just started today, so that’s good luck,” he said.

The ballroom will cover 90,000 square feet and is expected to host major state events and exclusive gatherings. The administration plans to complete the project before the end of Trump’s second term in 2029.

According to Trump, the federal government isn’t footing the bill. Instead, the lavish project is being privately funded. Last week, Trump hosted a donor dinner with major tech and finance figures including Microsoft, Google, Palantir, Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman, and the Winklevoss twins.

“We’ve been planning it for a long time,” Trump said earlier this year. “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years. There’s never been a president that was good at ballrooms. I’m really good.”

Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, critics are slamming the ballroom as unnecessary and out of touch. The sounds of demolition were heard throughout the White House grounds Monday, with Secret Service personnel spotted observing the action from the Treasury steps.

The East Wing, traditionally home to the First Lady’s offices, will soon make way for the most over-the-top upgrade in White House history.