White House East Wing Demolished for Trump Ballroom

Memo says historic building was 'excellently preserved' during demolition

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A memo from the White House Office of Administration states that the demolition of the East Wing to make way for President Donald Trump's planned ballroom was carried out carefully, with the historic White House mansion's eastern facade 'excellently preserved'. Contractors took measures to protect the residence during the demolition, and curators documented and preserved various artifacts of historical significance.

Why it matters

The East Wing demolition prompted public outcry as it began without the typical independent reviews, congressional approval, and public comment required for modifications to historic buildings in Washington. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction of the ballroom, raising concerns about the preservation of the White House's architectural heritage.

The details

According to the memo, contractors kept heavy equipment at a safe distance, removed some pieces by hand, and stabilized certain sections ahead of time. Vibration and crack movement were also monitored during the demolition. The completed ballroom project will include an improved visitors center for security screening and reduce the need for road closures during major events.

  • Demolition of the East Wing began last fall with little advance notice.
  • The National Capital Planning Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region, requested more details about the demolition.
  • The project is scheduled for discussion during a March 5 meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission.

The players

Joshua Fisher

Director of the White House Office of Administration, who wrote the memo detailing the demolition process.

National Capital Planning Commission

The agency that has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the Washington, D.C. region, and is led by a top Trump aide.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The organization that has sued to halt construction of the ballroom, raising concerns about the preservation of the White House's architectural heritage.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who planned the construction of the ballroom in the White House.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to ensure that some of these items will be integrated into the new structure.”

— Joshua Fisher, Director of the White House Office of Administration (newser.com)

What’s next

The National Capital Planning Commission will discuss the ballroom project during a meeting on March 5.

The takeaway

The demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House to make way for President Trump's planned ballroom has raised concerns about the preservation of the building's architectural heritage, despite claims that the demolition was carried out carefully. The project's future remains uncertain as it faces scrutiny and legal challenges.