Construction crews began dismantling the facade of the White House East Wing on Wednesday (Oct. 22), marking the start of a controversial renovation project championed by President Donald Trump. The President announced plans to replace the 120-year-old structure with a new banquet hall capable of hosting up to 1,000 people, claiming the project would be funded privately by himself and other donors at an estimated cost of US$300 million.
The project has faced immediate backlash. Several historic preservation architects have questioned the administration's decision to proceed without full transparency, while Democratic critics have lambasted the effort as an attempt to "satisfy Trump's vanity to be a king."
Reuters footage from the scene showed excavators starting work on the East Wing's exterior walls. President Trump stated the cost had risen by US$50 million from earlier estimates, but reiterated that no public funds would be used. He defended the project's transparency and emphasized the new hall's utility for hosting foreign leaders and diplomatic functions.
The New York Times reported that the East Wing, built in 1902, has traditionally housed the offices of the First Lady. While Trump claims the wing is entirely separate from the main White House, it is in fact connected to the residence by a colonnaded terrace. The National Trust for Historic Preservation expressed deep concern in a letter to the President, stating, "The planned new structure's scale would overwhelm the White House itself and could permanently damage the carefully balanced classical symmetry of the building's design."
The report also noted that presidents are typically required to submit renovation plans for review by the National Capital Planning Commission. However, Trump's decision to move forward during a federal government shutdown has bypassed this oversight, raising questions about the lack of formal scrutiny. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the project, accusing the President of seeking "king-like treatment."
The White House expects the renovation to be completed by January 2029, which would be the end of a potential second term for President Trump.
Related News:
OMG | American actress mocks Trump's White House demolition: 'That is not your building!'
Comment