White House East Wing Demolished for Trump's Ballroom

Memo says historic building was 'excellently preserved' during demolition process.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The White House has demolished the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom requested by former President Donald Trump. An administration memo states that the historic facade of the White House was 'excellently preserved' during the demolition, and that crews took steps to protect the residence. The National Capital Planning Commission has requested more details about the demolition, which began without typical reviews and approvals.

Why it matters

The East Wing demolition has prompted public outcry, as major modifications to historic government buildings in Washington typically require independent reviews, congressional approval, and public comment. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction of the new ballroom.

The details

Contractors took precautions during the demolition, keeping heavy equipment at a safe distance and removing some pieces by hand. Sections of the building were stabilized ahead of time, and vibration and crack movement were monitored. Curators documented and preserved artwork, furniture, and other historically significant items from the East Wing.

  • Demolition of the East Wing began in the fall of 2025.
  • The National Capital Planning Commission has requested more details and will discuss the project at a March 5, 2026 meeting.

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 has requested more details about the East Wing demolition.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The organization that has sued to halt construction of the new ballroom on the White House grounds.

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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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The National Capital Planning Commission will discuss the White House's ballroom project at a March 5, 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

The East Wing demolition highlights the tension between preserving historic government buildings and accommodating the desires of political leaders. While the White House claims the demolition was carefully executed, the lack of typical reviews and approvals has drawn criticism from preservation groups.