US President Donald Trump responded to criticism regarding the demolition of a portion of the East Wing of the White House to construct a $250 million ballroom.
Trump referred to the construction noise as “music to my ears.” Despite a government shutdown and increasing living costs, Trump assured the public that taxpayers would not be responsible for the expenses, as he plans to fund the project partly with his own money and through private donations.
Democrats accused Trump of disrespecting the presidential residence. Senator Mazie Hirono tweeted: “The demolition of the East Wing feels symbolic of what Trump is doing to our democracy.” Senator Elizabeth Warren added: “While Americans face skyrocketing costs, Trump can’t hear you over bulldozers building his grand ballroom.”
Demolition crews tore into the White House East Wing to start the construction of President Trump's new ballroom, to be built at an estimated cost of $250 million https://t.co/pFhG8ahO30 pic.twitter.com/Mk10Ij97sD
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 21, 2025The White House dismissed the criticism as “pearl-clutching,” citing previous renovations such as Barack Obama’s basketball court upgrade. Trump hosted a donor dinner last week, but details have not been disclosed.
President Trump’s $250 million ballroom is his most ambitious makeover of the White House yet.
The Treasury Department instructed employees not to share photos of the demolition after images of construction equipment dismantling the facade went viral. https://t.co/qgz8GThH7n pic.twitter.com/G663Vb0AgX
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 21, 2025The White House has seen various changes, but Trump’s proposal to pave the Rose Garden reflects his broader federal reforms aimed at his opponents. The demolition work is ongoing, with AFP observing excavators in action. This project symbolises Trump’s vision, but it also ignites discussions about the priorities during a time of economic hardship.
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