More than half of Americans disapprove of the recent demolition of the White House’s East Wing and the plans for a new ballroom, according to a poll from the Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos. Conducted between October 24 and 28, the survey revealed that 56% of respondents oppose the move, while only 28% support it.
Historically, the East Wing was built in 1902 during President Theodore Roosevelt’s time. It was revamped in 1942 under Franklin Roosevelt to create additional working space during World War II and to hide an underground bunker for the president and his staff. The current demolition seems to go against Trump’s earlier promise in July that he would not tear down any existing structures for the ballroom project. He described the new space as beautiful and said it would respectfully complement the existing White House.
The planned ballroom is set to cover 90,000 square feet—almost double the size of the current White House—and can hold around 1,000 people. Trump claims the project will be funded through his funds and private donations. The White House has announced that the ballroom will be ready before his term ends in January 2029.
This isn’t the first sign of public disapproval. A Yahoo/YouGov poll released earlier this week found that 61% of respondents disliked Trump’s ballroom plans, with only 25% in favor. Reactions have ranged from mild frustration to intense criticism.
Elaine Kamarck, a former official who worked in the White House during the Clinton administration, labeled the demolition as “an abomination,” saying it reflects a typical Trump decision that many Americans are growing weary of.
The social media buzz around this topic shows how divided people are on Trump’s actions. Many users express outrage over the changes to historical buildings, while others defend his vision for a modernized White House.
In conclusion, the demolition of the East Wing marks a controversial chapter in the White House’s history. With public opinion largely opposed, it remains to be seen how this project will unfold and what lasting impact it will have on the iconic building. For more on this topic, you can read further insights from the Brookings Institution.
