White House Ballroom Construction Begins Amid Government Shutdown

Demolition of the White House East Wing began Monday as President Trump moves forward with plans to build a new ballroom, despite an ongoing government shutdown.

The renovation will create a 90,000-square-foot ballroom capable of accommodating nearly 1,000 guests, a significant expansion from the current capacity of 200 people.

The project carries an estimated cost of $250 million, which the White House says will be funded by the president and private donors rather than taxpayer money.

The construction marks a reversal of Trump's earlier pledge not to alter the original White House structure. The administration has set a completion deadline before the end of Trump's term in January 2029.