New satellite images have revealed the extent of damage to the East Wing of the White House as President Donald Trump continues his $300 million ballroom project. One image, taken in September 2025, shows the East Wing in its original state, while another taken a month later reveals the damaged portion of the historic building.
On Wednesday, Trump stated that retaining the East Wing would have “hurt a very, very expensive, beautiful building” that he claimed past presidents have desired for years. He added that “me and some friends of mine” will foot the bill for the ballroom, sparing taxpayers any cost.
Despite not having received approval from the relevant government agencies overseeing construction on federal property, Trump allowed the demolition to commence this week. Preservationists have called on the Trump administration to halt the demolition until plans for the 90,000-square-foot (8,361-square-meter) ballroom undergo the necessary public review process.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation emphasised that the review process, which includes a period for public comment on the ballroom plans, would “provide a crucial opportunity for transparency and broad engagement – values that have guided preservation of the White House under every administration going back to the public competition in 1792 that produced the building’s original design.”
President Trump and his administration started tearing down the East Wing of The People’s House on Monday as the president pushed forward at full speed to finish the 900-person ballroom before his term concludes, reports the Express US.
President Trump has sought to reassure the public that the ballroom’s construction will not disrupt existing structures.
“It won’t interfere with the current building. It won’t be. It’ll be near it but not touching it – and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” President Trump declared in July following the White House’s announcement of the scheme. “It’s my favourite. It’s my favourite place. I love it.”
President Trump has defended the ongoing ballroom construction throughout the government shutdown because American taxpayers are not funding it; instead, a select group of donors – including the president himself – have contributed their own funds to the scheme.
During her briefing on Thursday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged reporters to simply “trust the process” whilst addressing worries about the East Wing’s demolition.
Leavitt disclosed the ballroom is “really the president’s main priority,” whilst dismissing criticism that the White House lacks transparency and is making decisions without proper oversight. “We have informed all of you. We’ve been keeping you apprised of this project. We showed you renderings,” Leavitt stated.
“We have released the full list of donors thus far. Perhaps there will be more people who want to generously contribute to this project. Trust the process. The president has committed his own resources.”
When questioned about the surge in the project’s cost, which initially was $200 million, Leavitt responded tersely: “With any construction project, there are changes over time as you assess what the project is going to look like. We’ll continue to keep you apprised about all of those changes. But trust the process.”