Summary
Demolition crews have started tearing down the East Wing of the White House to create a large ballroom as part of a $300 million renovation funded by private donors. This project by President Donald Trump is the biggest expansion in over 70 years and does not use taxpayer money. Previous presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, also made significant changes to the White House for various functional and aesthetic reasons.
Key Facts
- President Trump is overseeing a $300 million renovation of the White House, funded by private donors.
- The East Wing is being demolished to make space for a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
- This is the biggest White House expansion in over 70 years.
- The new ballroom will accommodate up to 999 people, eliminating the need for external tents during events.
- Theodore Roosevelt modernized the White House in 1902 by adding the West Wing.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt added the East Wing in 1942, which included a bomb shelter during World War II.
- Harry Truman led a major reconstruction of the White House from 1948 to 1952, due to structural issues, costing about $5.7 million (modern value around $53 million).
