US President Donald Trump has announced that the existing structure of the White House East Wing is to be torn down, a move that is sparking controversy among preservationists and lawmakers. The demolition will make way for a $250m (£186m) new ballroom, which Trump claims is long overdue.
Trump's comments came after weeks of speculation about the renovation plans, with reports suggesting that the project had become too expensive to be feasible. The East Wing, built in 1902, has been expanded and modified several times over the years but remains a historic landmark.
The decision to demolish the entire East Wing has sparked concerns among preservationists and lawmakers. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Washington-based non-profit organization, wrote to White House officials expressing its "deep concern" about the project and asking for a pause in demolition work.
"We urge you to take immediate action to protect this historic landmark," said a statement from the trust. "A public review process is essential to ensure that any changes to the White House are done with careful consideration of their impact on our nation's cultural heritage."
Some Democrats have also been critical of the renovation, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who wrote on X: "The White House was not Trump's house, and he's destroying it."
The construction project has become a symbol of Trump's presidency, with many seeing it as an opportunity for him to make changes that reflect his own vision. However, others argue that the demolition of historic structures like the East Wing is unacceptable.
The fate of the White House East Wing remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the renovation plans have sparked intense debate and raised questions about the role of history and preservation in modern politics.
Trump's comments came after weeks of speculation about the renovation plans, with reports suggesting that the project had become too expensive to be feasible. The East Wing, built in 1902, has been expanded and modified several times over the years but remains a historic landmark.
The decision to demolish the entire East Wing has sparked concerns among preservationists and lawmakers. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Washington-based non-profit organization, wrote to White House officials expressing its "deep concern" about the project and asking for a pause in demolition work.
"We urge you to take immediate action to protect this historic landmark," said a statement from the trust. "A public review process is essential to ensure that any changes to the White House are done with careful consideration of their impact on our nation's cultural heritage."
Some Democrats have also been critical of the renovation, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who wrote on X: "The White House was not Trump's house, and he's destroying it."
The construction project has become a symbol of Trump's presidency, with many seeing it as an opportunity for him to make changes that reflect his own vision. However, others argue that the demolition of historic structures like the East Wing is unacceptable.
The fate of the White House East Wing remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the renovation plans have sparked intense debate and raised questions about the role of history and preservation in modern politics.
But come on, can't they just fix up the old one instead? The East Wing is like, super historic and all that jazz. I get why the National Trust is all worried about it, though - preserving our cultural heritage is huge 
. I mean, who's gonna be able to look back on this in 50 years and say, "Yeah, we totally tore down a piece of history just for a fancy ballroom"? 
Plus, $250m is some serious cash... where's that money coming from? 
I'm also kinda curious - what's the deal with the renovation plans being too expensive to be feasible? Were they lowballing the costs or something? 
i mean, they're literally destroying a historic landmark that's been around for over 100 years?! $250m for a new ballroom is insane, you could build an entire neighborhood with that kind of cash 
but seriously, don't they have to follow some kinda preservation rules or regulations? and what's the deal with trump saying it was "long overdue" - did he just magically become a interior designer or something? 
. They're always looking out for their own interests, right? The preservationists are totally overreacting if you ask me 
.
how the public is reacting to this news. Some people are saying it's Trump's house and he can do whatever he wants, but others think that's not true - the White House is for the country, not one person. What's your take on this? 
And now the National Trust for Historic Preservation is trying to stop him, which is kinda fair imo. 
But at the same time, isn't this just a PR stunt for his presidency? Like, he needs something new and shiny to distract us from everything else going on... 
this is so weird, like what's wrong with a little old historic building 
? cant they just leave it alone? $250m for a new ballroom tho, that's wild 
. i get that trump wants to put his own stamp on the white house but does he really need to tear down an entire wing? 
. what's next, destroying the liberty bell or something? 
no thanks!
And what about all those people who care about history and architecture? Don't their voices count for anything? 
I'm all for a refresh, but come on, that's like, super historic 
. And $250m is a pretty penny 
It just seems like Trump is trying to make his mark on history, but it's coming out as more like a big ol' ego trip 
I mean, $250m is a lotta cash... but come on, it's history, fam! 
It's not like Trump can just make up his own rules and get away with it. Like, what's next? Demolishing the Capitol building or something?