CA, US & World
Photos Show Full Demolition of White House East Wing as Trump Moves Ahead with $300 Million Ballroom Project
The entire East Wing of the White House, including its historic East Colonnade, has been torn down as President Donald Trump presses ahead with his plan to build a new ballroom on the site.
Photos released Thursday by the Associated Press show demolition reaching nearly to the main executive mansion, with debris and steel framing scattered across the area. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the massive project, urging the public to “trust the process” and saying changes were made after consultations with architects and construction teams.
“With any construction project, there are changes over time,” Leavitt said. “The plans changed when the president heard counsel from the architects and construction companies, who said that in order for this East Wing to be modern and beautiful for many, many years to come, this phase one was necessary.”
President Trump said Thursday that he has raised $350 million for the ballroom, estimating the cost will be “in the neighborhood” of $300 million. While he declined to specify his personal contribution, he vowed to “donate whatever is needed.”
“It’s been expanded and made absolutely — it’ll be the most beautiful ballroom anywhere in the world,” Trump said during a roundtable in the State Dining Room.
The demolition includes both the East Wing — long home to first ladies’ offices — and the East Colonnade, a structure connecting the wing to the main building that often served as an entrance for guests. It also contained the White House theater, used by presidents for private film screenings.
Officials say historical items from the East Wing, including furnishings from Rosalynn Carter’s original Office of the First Lady, have been preserved and stored under the supervision of the White House Executive Residence and the National Park Service, with help from the White House Historical Association.
Photos also show the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden stripped bare, with its grass and plantings removed as part of the construction.
During a recent donor dinner, Trump previewed the project, telling guests, “Everything out there is coming down, and we’re replacing it with one of the most beautiful ballrooms that you’ve ever seen.”
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
October 23, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
About 650,000 ballots and election materials are back with Riverside County election officials after the California Supreme Court ruled their seizure violated state election law. The materials remain under the registrar’s control as officials determine next steps.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you get excited or stressed about the upcoming holiday season (or both) ?
BREAKING: Human remains believed to be those of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar have been discovered at a second site in the Salton City area, according to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office. A skull and rib cage were found during a search involving Imperial County investigators and the FBI. Testing is still needed to confirm the remains belong to Tovar. The discovery comes one day after suspect Finebloom pleaded guilty to torture and voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement that could result in a sentence of 13 years to life. More details on NBCPalmSprings.com
NBC Palm Springs went back to Indio Hills today after Dillon Road flooded last night, forcing many residents to leave. One resident told us he is back today, working on repairs—after his home faced extensive damage in the flood. be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for a live look at the area today. #coachellavalley #weather #flood #indiohills #weather
This afternoon in Salton City, the FBI and Imperial County Sheriff’s Department were in the neighborhood of Abraham Feinbloom. Searching just after a plea deal was made to where Feinbloom agreed to show investigators where the remains of T’Neya Tovar are. Feinbloom pled guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. Tonight you’ll hear from neighbors who have been following the case from the very beginning, that story will be on nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #abrahamfeinbloom #fyp #murdercase #missingteenager
“WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?” Why won’t CVUSD just open the books? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #cvusd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🌧️ Flash flooding swept across parts of the Coachella Valley overnight, leaving vehicles stranded and roads closed. CHP and emergency crews responded as water, rocks and debris impacted roadways in Indio Hills and along Dillon Road. Drivers in that area are urged to use alternate routes.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Who’s your baseball team?
Salton city resident Abraham Feinbloom is expected to take a plea deal in the murder case of 17 year old T’Neya Tovar. Under the plea deal obtained by the Imperial County Criminal Courthouse, Feinbloom will plead guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. According to court records, he is also expected to assist law enforcement in finding the rest of the victim’s remains. Our @newsbyalondra will be inside the courtroom for his official sentencing Tuesday, September 29th with the very latest.
“Of you can’t find things out as a Board President… then what are they hiding?” Why is the elected board president being blocked from financial records? Drop your thoughts below👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #coachella #localnews #nbcpalmsprings