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White House Demolishes East Wing, Builds $400 Million, 90,000‑Sq‑Ft Ballroom Over Former Bunker

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Trump‑ordered demolition clears 123‑year‑old East Wing in days Under President Trump’s direction, crews razed the historic East Wing within a matter of days, eliminating the 123‑year‑old structure without preservationist review. The rapid teardown cleared space for a permanent ballroom and sparked criticism of unilateral historic alteration. Cost projections have risen from roughly $200 million to about $400 million, with private donors pledged to cover the expense[2].

Ballroom design calls for 90,000 sq ft, four‑story event hall The planned venue will span nearly 90,000 square feet across four stories, intended to replace temporary tents used for large‑scale functions. Architect James McCrery, a former Fine Arts Commission appointee, leads the project, which relies on private donations—including contributions from Trump himself. The scale and private funding model have intensified debate over the use of national symbols for personal branding[2][3].

Legal challenges and oversight appointments stall progress The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction until the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission complete independent reviews. To meet quorum requirements, the White House appointed four new Fine Arts Commission members, restoring the panel’s ability to convene on Jan. 22 and review the East Wing modernization. Officials cite the lawsuit and the need for federal oversight as major obstacles to the ballroom’s timeline[3].

World‑War‑II bunker dismantled; secret underground replacement planned The original secret bunker, ordered by Roosevelt in 1941, was dismantled during demolition, and its top‑secret status was used to bypass standard NCPC approval processes. Officials indicate a new subterranean facility will incorporate advanced technologies to counter kinetic, chemical, and biological threats, though no cost details are public. This underground work remains classified, separating it from the publicly discussed ballroom budget[1].

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