As the U.S. government faces a shutdown and massive layoffs of civil servants loom, President Trump continues with large-scale renovations. On Monday, the White House launched demolition work on the East Wing, planning to convert it into a luxurious banquet hall capable of accommodating 1,000 people. Critics have accused Trump of initiating the $250 million (1.057 billion ringgit) project without approval from the federal agencies responsible for overseeing such projects, but Trump insists the move will make the White House more magnificent.
The current East Wing of the White House can only hold up to 200 people, which Trump deems inadequate for modern diplomatic occasions. As a result, he is sparing no expense to build an 8,700-square-meter luxury banquet hall, capable of hosting large state dinners for a thousand people.
East Wing Demolition Underway
According to the Associated Press, excavators could be seen removing the East Wing’s outer walls and windows, with barricades set up around the site and rubble piling up.
The East Wing was built in 1902, with a second floor added in 1942. It has long served as the First Lady’s office and the main entrance for visitors. This project marks the first major renovation of the White House since World War II, and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, just in time to be opened before Trump leaves office in January.
Experts have warned that this is the first postwar alteration to the White House structure and may damage the architectural integrity of the building. Furthermore, the renovations have not received approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal body that oversees such projects. Some members of Congress have questioned whether it is appropriate for the president to undertake private, luxurious expansions given the nation's tight budget. In response, the White House has stated that the construction is fully legal and will not affect administrative operations, with most of the funding coming from private donations and the Trump family foundation.
Trump: No Taxpayer Money Spent on Project
Trump emphasized on his social platform, Truth Social, that this new banquet hall fulfills a dream held by every president for the past 150 years, and that the project will not cost taxpayers a dime. Upon completion, the White House will be even more grand and magnificent.
In his post, he wrote: “I am honored to be the first president to finally initiate this much-needed project, and American taxpayers will not have to bear any of the cost! The East Wing and the White House itself are completely separate and will both be modernized as part of this comprehensive plan. Once completed, the White House will be more beautiful than ever before!”
White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that the offices in the East Wing will temporarily relocate during construction, while the side wings will undergo modernization and renovation.