Construction on President Trump's planned ballroom addition to the White House has begun, contrary to his earlier claims that it would "interfere" with the existing structure. The East Wing of the White House, which is home to the first lady's office and staff, has been partially demolished as part of the project.
Trump had previously stated that the construction would not impact the building's integrity, saying "it won't interfere with the current building." However, footage captured by a pool reporter at the White House shows heavy machinery tearing down a section of the East Wing. The president himself acknowledged the demolition during an event on Monday, stating that "construction just started today."
The project, which is expected to cost $250 million, has been fully funded by private donations from tech giants and big business, including Apple and Microsoft. Trump has touted the addition as a way to host grand parties and state visits, saying it will be used for events that may include heads of state.
However, experts are raising concerns about the impact of the construction on the historic White House building. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has urged a "pause" in the demolition until plans for the proposed ballroom go through the legally required public review processes.
Renderings of the planned ballroom show a 90,000-square-foot space that will be used to hold 999 people, with bulletproof glass windows on all sides. The addition is expected to increase the White House's size, which some critics argue could overwhelm the building and disrupt its classical design.
The president has previously downplayed concerns about the project, saying he "loves" the sound of construction and that it reminds him of money - or in this case, a lack of money. However, his words have been met with skepticism by preservationists and experts who are concerned about the impact of the construction on the White House's historic integrity.
Trump had previously stated that the construction would not impact the building's integrity, saying "it won't interfere with the current building." However, footage captured by a pool reporter at the White House shows heavy machinery tearing down a section of the East Wing. The president himself acknowledged the demolition during an event on Monday, stating that "construction just started today."
The project, which is expected to cost $250 million, has been fully funded by private donations from tech giants and big business, including Apple and Microsoft. Trump has touted the addition as a way to host grand parties and state visits, saying it will be used for events that may include heads of state.
However, experts are raising concerns about the impact of the construction on the historic White House building. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has urged a "pause" in the demolition until plans for the proposed ballroom go through the legally required public review processes.
Renderings of the planned ballroom show a 90,000-square-foot space that will be used to hold 999 people, with bulletproof glass windows on all sides. The addition is expected to increase the White House's size, which some critics argue could overwhelm the building and disrupt its classical design.
The president has previously downplayed concerns about the project, saying he "loves" the sound of construction and that it reminds him of money - or in this case, a lack of money. However, his words have been met with skepticism by preservationists and experts who are concerned about the impact of the construction on the White House's historic integrity.
... I mean, 250 million bucks for some fancy ballroom? It sounds like a lot of cash 
just to host parties. Can't we use that money for more important things, like fixing the actual problems with the White House?
It's kinda weird how they're just tearing down parts as they go along. I hope those preservationists are right and someone puts a pause on it ASAP 
.
I mean, I get it, the president wants a fancy new ballroom for state visits, but come on! 
The historical significance of the White House is HUGE 
and destroying parts of it just to make way for some extra space? Not cool 
. I'm all for progress, but preservation should be priority #1 
. And what's with the private funding from big tech companies? Shouldn't we be investing in preserving our nation's history instead of throwing cash at it 
.
. It's like, 250 million dollars from private donations? That's a lot of $$ 
. I get why they're concerned tho - the National Trust for Historic Preservation is urging a pause until they review the plans... that's fair, if u ask me 
. Trump's all about making this grand party space for state visits and whatnot... but at what cost? 
its just so extra.
.
It's food for thought, that's for sure...
? The National Trust is totally right to say we should pause this project until they go through proper public review processes... let's not rush into something that might ruin the integrity of this amazing building 
.
meanwhile, i'm over here thinking about how this is going to affect future presidents and what they'll have to deal with when they move in 
. I mean, come on, a 90k sq ft ballroom in the White House? That's just genius 
. The fact that it's gonna cost $250 mil and be funded by private donors who actually care about preserving history is amazing 
. And let's be real, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is just being dramatic 
. Who needs to "pause" demolition when there are more pressing issues to address? Like, have you seen the state of our national parks lately? Priorities, people! 
but come on trump knows what he's doin' or so he thinks 
. i still dont think its gonna be used 4 parties and state visits, more like a private club for his buddies 