The White House has begun a major renovation of its East Wing, marking the most significant change to the historic building since the 1940s. The project involves demolishing part of the East Wing to construct a new grand ballroom.

Washington

The White House has begun a major renovation of its East Wing, marking the most significant change to the historic building since the 1940s. The project involves demolishing part of the East Wing, traditionally used by the First Lady and her staff, to construct a new grand ballroom capable of seating 999 people. 

The $200 million renovation is being funded by private donors and the president, rather than taxpayer money. The decision to move forward with the project has faced criticism for lacking bipartisan input, but the administration is proceeding with the plans.

Bulldozers rip into White House's East Wing

Okay, so one other thing I have to ask you about. A lot of people noticing what's going on at the White House, a remodel. We're seeing the president's really putting his stamp on things. For those who may have missed what's happening, what is happening? Yeah, we've seen the beginning of what will be the most significant change to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the historic nature of the White House since the 1940s. We've already seen the president remodel the Rose Garden and now he's remodeling the East Wing. These videos, these images that you see of demolition in the East Wing, this is the the wing traditionally occupied by the First Lady, her staff. If you've ever been on a tour of the White House, this is the entrance that you likely went through. Why is this happening? Well, the president has long complained about the lack of a grand ballroom in the White House and the Trump administration is moving forward with a 200 million dollar plan to build a grand ballroom to host events. Right now, that doesn't exist. If there's a big party, a big state dinner, oftentimes they'll put up a tent on the south lawn of the White House. This 200 million dollar project, you may be wondering who's paying for it. It's not taxpayers. Private donors, patriots, as the president says, is going to be paying for this as well as the president, the president himself. It will seat 999 people. We are told, again, a significant change to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The president's moving forward with this despite criticism that there should have been more of a bipartisan look at reforming the People's House. The president's kind of moving full steam ahead and as you can see, it doesn't seem like anything's stopping him. The demolition has begun. 999, that's interesting. I wonder how they got to that number and imagine if you're the thousandth person. Sorry. The president said yesterday that he thought a thousand might seem too big. So that's why they're keeping it at 999. But I have a feeling they can squeeze, probably squeeze one more in there if they need to. Okay. Scripps News Deputy Political Director Joe St. George for us. Thanks, Joe. We'll see you shortly.

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