Trump’s Legacy on the White House’s Style
Aerial footage of East Wing demolition (AP)
Written by Henry L. ‘27
President Trump’s latest project at the White House involves the demolition of the entire East Wing and the construction of a 90,000-square-foot, $300 million ballroom. “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years but there’s never been a president that was good at ballrooms”, the president told the press last week. Throughout American history Presidents have renovated, gutted, and added to the White House to varying degrees — within recent memory, however, this is the largest construction project.
A poll from the Washington Post found that 56% of Americans disapprove of the project, while only 28% approve. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump’s approval rating has significantly lowered in the past few months, though negligibly since the project started. The last major renovation to the White House happened under the Truman administration and was monumental in its changes, which included an entire gutting of the White House.
The East Wing balanced the facade of the White House, and its demolition will be the first major change to the White House’s exterior appearance since 1942. While active, it housed the administrative office of the first lady, guest reception areas, the calligraphy office, and the visitor entrance for public tours. It was connected to the main White House through the Colonnade. The East Wing, while not an essential part of the White House, served as the venue for public events, the First Lady’s initiatives, and official guests.
Timeline of Major Constructions and Renovations at the White House:
1815: Reconstruction of the White House after it was burned by the British in the War of 1812.
1902: The West Wing was built to separate presidential offices from the presidential residence.
1942: The East Wing was built to add the first lady’s offices and visitor’s center. This construction was controversial and was seen by Republicans as a waste of funds during wartime.
1948-1952: Truman gutted the interior of the White House and added a steel frame.
1962: Jackie Kennedy’s Rose Garden was built to host events at the White House.
1970-2024: Minor renovations made: bowling alley, swimming pool, interior improvements.
2025: Trump’s minor interior renovations and the demolition of the East Wing with the plans to create a grand ballroom.
The construction of the ballroom is necessary, according to the president, because “American presidents need to be able to host events at the White House that reflect the demands of the time and that can carry out the prestige of what we’re all doing.” The ballroom will serve as the new venue for state dinners and other events, replacing the temporary tent used on the South Lawn.
According to President Trump, the funding for the construction of the ballroom comes only from private donations. “It’s a private thing… being paid 100 percent by me and some friends of mine.” Big tech, cryptocurrency, federal contractors, media, and medical companies all contributed to the ballroom funding. Youtube in particular contributed around $22 million, as a part of a settlement for a 2021 lawsuit that Trump brought against the company. How much Trump plans to contribute personally is currently unknown.