New images show White House East Wing leveled for $300 million ballroom

[ad_1] For the primary time for the reason that authorities shutdown ended, the sweeping development of the brand new White Home ballroom is seen once more from the Washington Monument -- with fairly a unique view taking form.

ABC Information took video on Monday of the White Home in its altered state from the Washington Monument, which was closed to the general public through the 43 days the federal government was shut down, which ended on Nov. 12.

The development for the ballroom on the White Home’s East Wing as seen from the highest of the Washington Monument, Nov. 17, 2025.

ABC Information

The brand new photographs of the White Home present the previous website of the East Wing, in-built 1902 and renovated in 1942, fully demolished with a number of bulldozers and skip loaders clearing the final of the rubble.

The East Wing turned the formal workplace of the primary girl in 1977 when Rosalynn Carter turned the primary to determine her workplace there.

The development additionally eliminated six historic bushes and the Jacqueline Kennedy Backyard to make manner for a brand new ballroom.

A common view of the White Home East Wing entrance in Washington in 1906.

Library Of Congress by way of Reuters

Rather than the East Wing, President Donald Trump has permitted plans to construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at an estimated price of $300 million and, in keeping with the White Home, shall be funded by way of personal donations.

In October, a White Home official confirmed to ABC Information that $350 million had been raised for the ballroom undertaking, saying the president "has acquired such optimistic and overwhelming help for the ballroom that he continues to obtain donations."

Requested what he plans to do with the additional $50 million, Trump instructed reporters on Oct. 24 that it might presumably be used to assist construct a big triumphal arch -- modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Most Individuals oppose the demolition of the East Wing to make manner for Trump's ballroom, in keeping with an ABC Information/Washington Submit/Ipsos ballot carried out utilizing Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel.

A 56% majority of Individuals oppose the development of the ballroom, together with 45% who "strongly" oppose it, in keeping with the ballot taken in October.

Simply 28% of Individuals help it, with 15% strongly supporting the East Wing being torn down for a ballroom, the ballot discovered. One other 16% say they aren't positive.