Trump's Controversial East Wing Demolition: Lawmakers Clash

Tue Oct 28 2025 18:43:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid a government shutdown and a divided Congress, President Trump's plan to demolish the White House's East Wing for a grand ballroom has sparked heated debates.

The proposed demolition of the White House's East Wing to make way for a new ballroom has set off a fierce political divide in Congress. While Republicans tout it as a necessary renovation, Democrats express outrage over the destruction of a historical symbol. The debate comes as the government faces shutdown issues, highlighting worries about priorities and spending. Trump's claim that he and his friends will fund the ballroom without taxpayer dollars does little to quell the criticism, with opponents citing it as a vanity project. As Democrats unleash their frustration in debates, Republicans minimize concerns about the architectural loss, complicating an already tense political landscape.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions are rising in Congress over President Trump's plan to tear down part of the White House, which is set to make room for a lavish new ballroom. Lawmakers are sharply divided on the project, with Republicans cheering for what they call a necessary update, while Democrats are denouncing the demolition as an affront to a national symbol.

Recent images of the East Wing's destruction have invigorated the confrontations on Capitol Hill, where both parties are grappling with wider issues including a looming government shutdown. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley took the opportunity to highlight the teardown during an extensive Senate speech.

Statements from different sides epitomize the growing debates; while Senators argue about the architectural loss, they also point to pressing issues affecting millions, accusing Trump of prioritizing grandiose personal projects over critical national needs.

Meanwhile, Trump maintains his commitment to providing a way for larger events, asserting that he will fund the new ballroom privately, sparking further debates about vanity and priorities in government spending.