Demolition begins on East Wing of White House for Trump’s new $250 million ballroom

Guno צְבִי said:
The fat orange fuck thinks he will live forever
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We got not one, not two, but three more fuckin years of this bastard. Look at all the shit he's done just his one fuckin year....honest to God, if we lose next year, man, its gonna be one huge cluster fuck of a nightmare hence forward and that is the effin truth, G. 1761003940530.png
 
Were We The People given an opportunity to comment on this.....was any effort made to sell this idea?

Generally that is not how things work anymore, the elites rub our nose in the fact that they dont give a flying fuck what we think/want/need.
 
  • Jefferson’s Additions (1801-1809): Thomas Jefferson added east and west terraces and other functional structures. While practical, these changes faced criticism for deviating from the original design by James Hoban, with some viewing them as overly utilitarian or misaligned with the building’s classical aesthetic.
  • Post-1814 Reconstruction: After the British burned the White House in 1814, rebuilding efforts under Hoban were debated over whether to restore the original design or modernize. Some argued for relocating the capital, but the decision to rebuild on the same site prevailed, though not without political friction over costs and symbolism.
  • Fillmore’s Library (1850s): Millard Fillmore’s addition of a library was relatively minor but stirred debate over whether such changes respected the White House’s original purpose as a residence, not a cultural institution.
  • Greenhouse Additions: Throughout the 19th century, greenhouses were added and expanded, particularly under presidents like Buchanan and Lincoln. These were criticized by some as frivolous or detracting from the building’s dignity, though they were popular among first families.
  • McKim’s 1902 Renovation (Theodore Roosevelt): Architect Charles McKim’s major overhaul, which included the addition of the West Wing, was highly contentious. Critics argued it altered the White House’s historic character, particularly by removing Victorian-era interiors for a more modern, Beaux-Arts style. The cost (over $1 million, equivalent to tens of millions today) drew public and congressional scrutiny, with some accusing Roosevelt of extravagance. The relocation of offices to the West Wing also sparked debate over separating the president’s workspace from the residence, seen by some as diminishing the building’s unified purpose.
  • Truman Reconstruction (1948-1952): The most significant and controversial renovation occurred under Harry Truman due to the White House’s near-collapse from structural decay. The interior was gutted, and a steel frame was installed, costing $5.7 million (over $60 million today). Critics, including architectural purists, decried the loss of original interior elements, accusing the project of erasing history. Others criticized the cost during post-war austerity, and some called it excessive. Truman himself clashed with the Commission on the Renovation of the Executive Mansion over design choices, like the addition of a balcony (now the Truman Balcony), which critics called an aesthetic violation but Truman defended as practical. Allegations of corruption in contractor dealings further fueled public and political outrage, though investigations found no major wrongdoing.
  • Kennedy Restoration (1961-1963): Jacqueline Kennedy’s efforts to restore the White House’s historical and aesthetic value were less about structural changes and more about interior redecoration. While widely praised for reviving historical authenticity (e.g., sourcing period furniture), some criticized the project as elitist or overly focused on luxury during economic challenges. The formation of the White House Historical Association helped formalize preservation efforts but also sparked debates over who controls the White House’s image.
  • Nixon’s Press Room (1970): The construction of a new press room over the old White House swimming pool was contentious, with critics arguing it prioritized media access over historical spaces. Preservationists lamented the loss of the pool, a symbol of Franklin Roosevelt’s era, though practical needs for press facilities were acknowledged.
  • Security and Modern Upgrades (Late 20th/21st Century): Post-9/11 security enhancements, like reinforced barriers and underground facilities, faced criticism for altering the White House’s open, democratic image. Costs, often classified, were debated in Congress, with some arguing they were excessive or secretive.
  • Accessibility upgrades (e.g., ramps for disability access) and technological modernizations (e.g., HVAC, Wi-Fi) have generally been less controversial but occasionally criticized for their impact on historical integrity or for high costs.
 
The East Wing's origins date to 1902, during President Theodore Roosevelt's extensive renovations of the White House. Facing overcrowding in the aging mansion, Roosevelt commissioned architect Charles Follen McKim to redesign the interior and grounds. The initial East Wing was a modest, single-story structure built primarily as a public and formal visitors' entrance, alleviating pressure on the main residence. This addition marked the first permanent expansion eastward, creating a distinct entry point for non-residential functions and setting the stage for future developments.

The most significant historical transformation occurred in 1942 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, amid World War II preparations. The East Wing was doubled in size with the addition of a second story, converting it from a simple entrance into a functional office complex. This expansion included:
  • Office space for the First Lady and her staff, a role that persists today (e.g., housing the Office of the First Lady, social secretary, and correspondence teams).
  • The Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC), a secure underground bunker built beneath the wing for wartime continuity of government—famously used on September 11, 2001.
  • Supporting facilities like the White House theater (also known as the Family Theater) along the East Colonnade, a corridor linking the wing to the Executive Residence.
Minor modifications occurred over decades, such as updates to the adjacent Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and East Colonnade. The wing also housed ancillary offices like the White House Travel Office and Military Office.

As of October 2025, the East Wing is undergoing its most transformative changes since 1942 to accommodate President Donald Trump's proposed White House State Ballroom, a long-envisioned addition to enhance entertaining capacity. Announced in July 2025, the $250 million project—100% funded by President Trump and private donors—aims to create a bulletproof glass-walled venues, seating for up to 1,000 guests, and capacity for events like state visits. Demolition began on October 20, 2025. The administration describes this as a "full modernization", with East Wing offices (including the First Lady's) temporarily relocated.
 
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