WASHINGTON — The White House commenced demolition of part of the East Wing on Monday to make way for President Trump's $250 million ballroom. This project is moving forward without the necessary approval from the federal agency responsible for overseeing such construction.

Photos from the site captured construction equipment actively dismantling the East Wing's façade, with debris scattered on the ground. Reporters observed the activity from a nearby park adjacent to the Treasury Department. Trump announced the construction's start via social media and mentioned it during a visit with the 2025 college baseball champions, Louisiana State University and LSU-Shreveport, in the East Room. "We have a lot of construction going on, which you might hear periodically," he said, adding, "It just started today."

Despite the lack of approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees major renovations to government buildings, the White House has proceeded with the project. Will Scharf, the commission's chairman and a senior aide to Trump, stated at a September meeting that the agency does not oversee demolition or site preparation for federal properties. "What we deal with is essentially construction, vertical build," Scharf explained. It remains unclear if the ballroom plans have been submitted for the commission's review. The White House did not respond to inquiries, and the commission's offices are currently closed due to a government shutdown.

In July, Trump assured that the ballroom would not interfere with the existing mansion. "It'll be near it but not touching it and pays total respect to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," he said. The East Wing, built in 1902, houses several offices, including those of the first lady. It has undergone renovations over the years, including a second story added in 1942.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, stated that East Wing offices will be temporarily relocated during construction, which will also modernize and renovate the wing. "Nothing will be torn down," she emphasized when announcing the project.

Trump has claimed that a ballroom has been desired by presidents for 150 years. He is constructing a 90,000-square-foot, glass-walled space because he believes the East Room, which accommodates about 200 people, is too small for hosting dignitaries. He expressed his discontent with hosting events in pavilions on the South Lawn.

In his social media announcement, Trump stated that the project would incur "zero cost to the American taxpayer," as it is being privately funded by various donors. The ballroom will represent the most significant structural change to the Executive Mansion since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948.

At a recent dinner for business executives contributing to the construction costs, Trump revealed that the ballroom's capacity has increased from 650 to 999 people. The White House has promised to disclose the names of contributors but has not yet done so.

Additionally, Trump mentioned that Carrier Global Corp., a leading HVAC manufacturer, has offered to donate the air conditioning system for the ballroom. Carrier confirmed this donation, stating, "Carrier is honored to provide the new iconic ballroom at the White House with a world-class, energy-efficient HVAC system, bringing comfort to distinguished guests and dignitaries in this historic setting for years to come."

Site preparation, including tree clearing on the south grounds, began in September. The ballroom is expected to be completed before Trump's term concludes in January 2029.