Summary
The White House decided it was cheaper to demolish the East Wing than to renovate it for a new ballroom. The new ballroom, costing $400 million, is funded by private donors and will be larger than the current White House. The project faced criticism for how it was approved and has resulted in a lawsuit from a historic preservation group.
Key Facts
- The White House demolished the East Wing due to structural problems to build a new ballroom for President Trump.
- The cost of the ballroom is projected at $400 million, double the original estimate.
- Private donors are paying for the construction of the ballroom.
- The ballroom will occupy 22,000 square feet and host up to 1,000 guests.
- The project plans include adding a second story to the West Wing.
- A historic preservation group sued, arguing the project lacked necessary reviews before demolition.
- The ballroom construction aims to be finished before President Trump's term ends in January 2029.
