New photos taken from the 🌲Washington Monument on Nov. 17, 2025 show the White House East Wing completely demolished, with several bulldozers and skip loaders clearing the last of the rubble. The Washington Monument had been closed during the 43-day government shutdown and reopened after the shutdown ended Nov. 12. Photographer Andrew Leyden captured aerial images showing almost no remaining structural elements and heavy machinery working around the site.

The East Wing was first built in 1902 and renovated in 1942. It became the formal office of the first lady in 1977 when Rosalynn Carter became the first to establish her office there. Every first lady since Carter, including Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, and Jill Biden, had offices in the East Wing. The East Colonnade, which linked the East Wing to the main White House residence, was also demolished.

President Trump initially said in August 2025 that the ballroom project wouldn't interfere with the current building and would be near it but not touching it. However, after the demolition began in October 2025, Trump said that in order to do it properly, they had to take down the East Wing. Critics argue this represents a significant change from Trump's original promises about the project's scope.

The demolition removed six historic trees and the entire Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, originally designed in collaboration with Rachel Bunny Mellon. Two of the trees were dedicated to former Presidents Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Kennedy Garden was created in the 1960s as a companion to the Rose Garden and featured flowering trees, bulbs, and perennials. Historic preservationists called the tree removal and garden destruction cultural vandalism.

Trump's 90,000-square-foot ballroom will cost an estimated $300 million and will be funded through private donations, according to the White House. By October 2025, a White House official confirmed that $350 million had been raised for the ballroom project. In September 2025, Trump announced the ballroom had grown in scale by nearly 40 percent from its initial seating capacity and would accommodate 900 people. The White House said the current building lacked space large enough to host major functions honoring world leaders without installing a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance.

Critics argue the demolition was done without enough public input and question the design plans. Historic preservation groups sued to stop the demolition, arguing the East Wing is part of the National Historic Landmark and can't be demolished without Congressional approval. The Trump administration defended the move and called the criticism politically motivated. The lawsuit was dismissed during the government shutdown, and by the time the shutdown ended, demolition was substantially complete.

Trump announced the ballroom project in August 2025 and demolition began in October 2025. The timing during the government shutdown meant many federal employees and watchdog groups were furloughed and couldn't monitor or challenge the demolition. The Trump administration expedited permits and environmental reviews during the shutdown. Construction is expected to continue through 2026, with the ballroom scheduled to open in early 2027.