A new controversy is brewing in Washington after construction crews began tearing down part of the White House’s East Wing to make room for a grand ballroom commissioned by President Donald Trump.
What began as a construction milestone quickly turned political when former First Lady Hillary Clinton publicly condemned the project, calling it a “disgraceful disregard” for the White House’s historical legacy.
“The White House belongs to the American people,” Clinton wrote in a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter). “Altering its history for vanity’s sake is not leadership—it’s disrespect.”
Her criticism came as the $250 million East Wing expansion moved forward—now one of the most divisive projects in recent presidential history.
It’s not his house.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 21, 2025
It’s your house.
And he’s destroying it. pic.twitter.com/YchFF5U1nO
Historic Walls Come Down
Photos from the site show heavy machinery breaking through the East Wing’s walls, despite Trump’s earlier assurances that the original structure would remain untouched.
Although most of the work has been shielded behind security fencing, The Washington Post reported that the sound of demolition echoed across the White House grounds. Secret Service agents and a small group of onlookers were spotted near the Treasury Department steps as the work began.
Trump Celebrates His “Beautiful” Ballroom
President Trump hailed the start of construction on October 20, 2025, posting on Truth Social:
“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom.”
He insisted that the ballroom was a long-overdue improvement envisioned by past presidents—one he alone had the “vision and determination” to realize. Trump also emphasized that the project is privately funded, claiming:
“The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for generations to come!”
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From Ballrooms to Magazine Covers
Even as construction controversy swirled, Trump found himself in headlines again—this time for a Time Magazine cover story that praised his role in mediating an October 13 Gaza ceasefire.
While Trump acknowledged the article was “relatively good,” he blasted the accompanying photo, posting:
“Time Magazine wrote a relatively good story about me, but the picture may be the Worst of All Time.”
He claimed the image distorted his features and hair, calling the shot “unflattering” and accusing the magazine of intentionally choosing a “terrible angle.”
Disappearance Rumors and Health Speculation
Trump’s fiery remarks came on the heels of weeks of speculation about his sudden absence from public view, which had fueled bizarre online rumors claiming he had died.
The former president was finally seen on August 30, 2025, wearing his signature red MAGA hat, black slacks, and a white polo shirt while heading to his golf club in Sterling, Virginia, accompanied by his grandchildren Spencer and Kai Trump.
Rumors had first circulated after the White House released an empty Labor Day weekend calendar and Trump skipped several public appearances. Social media users quickly filled the void with wild theories:
“It’s his clone lol,” one commenter joked.
“That’s clearly not him,” another insisted.
“Does he own clothes that DON’T have his name on them?” added a third.
Vance Defends Trump’s Health
Vice President J.D. Vance addressed the concerns in an August 27 interview with USA TODAY, assuring the public that Trump remains “incredibly healthy” and “full of energy.”
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“The president ends his days and starts his mornings on the phone, working harder than most people half his age,” Vance said.
He acknowledged the inevitable questions about aging but maintained his confidence in Trump’s ability to complete his term.
Balancing Modernization and Tradition
As construction on the new ballroom continues, debate grows over how to preserve the historic integrity of the White House while adapting it for modern use.
According to Hillary Clinton, the issue goes beyond personal preference:
“This is about respecting a structure that has represented the American people for over two centuries,” she said. “Once you alter history, you can’t undo it.”
Whether viewed as an act of innovation or ego, Trump’s White House ballroom project has once again placed him at the center of controversy—proving that even the nation’s most iconic home is not immune to political drama.
Demolition crews have begun tearing down part of the White House to build President Trump’s long-desired ballroom — despite his pledge that construction of the $250 million addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing building. https://t.co/gdi8H3VWuf pic.twitter.com/XnmWKVOQzr
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 20, 2025
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