WASHINGTON (AP) — The entire White House East Wing has been demolished as President Donald Trump moves forward with a ballroom construction, Associated Press photos on Thursday showed.
The East Wing, where first ladies created history, planned state dinners, and promoted various causes, is now reduced to rubble as part of President Trump’s plan to create what he claims will be a $300 million ballroom nearly twice the size of the White House.
Trump stated that keeping the East Wing would have hurt a very, very expensive, beautiful building — something that he believes has been desired by presidents for years. He further emphasized that “me and some friends of mine” will bear the cost of the ballroom, relieving taxpayers of the financial burden.
Despite this, the beginning of the demolition raised eyebrows, as it occurred without securing approvals from necessary governmental agencies responsible for construction on federal property. Furthermore, preservationists have vocally criticized the administration, advocating that the demolition be paused until the ballroom plans pass through the required public review process.
As the project continues, many are left questioning whether the historical significance of the East Wing has been disregarded in the pursuit of modernization.
