Sure, the White House is beautiful and nothing short of an architectural marvel in the opinions of many. However, President Donald Trump vowed to class up the joint, and he's delivering on that promise.

According to the New York Post, the president announced this week that a $250 million renovation on the White House ballroom in the East Wing has begun, as construction crews have started the demolition work to prep for the project. 

Part of the White House now looks as if a tornado hit it, as heavy equipment operators tear off the side of the building to make enough room to accommodate Trump's new ballroom, which was reported to be an absolute stunner.

Large demolition tractors worked non-stop this week to tear the walls and windows out, while other crews used water hoses to keep dust to a minimum, while normal White House business carries on.

What's going on?

The East Wing, which took its current form in 1942 is notably still one of the newest parts of the overall White House construction. Prior to the 1942 upgrade, it only contained one story.

The East Wing isn't spoken of as much as the West Wing, but it's just as important, as its typically the White House headquarters for the First Lady and it also happens to sit on top of a bomb shelter.

False rumors initially spread that U.S. taxpayers were on the hook for the $250 million renovation, but those rumors were quickly dispelled after it was announced that the project was privately funded.

For over 100 years, presidents have enhanced the White House, preserving its legacy as a symbol of our nation. Today, President Trump proudly broke ground on the new, big White House Ballroom.

Privately funded, it costs taxpayers nothing & will be cherished for generations. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/p1rZdYmrOy

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 21, 2025

President Trump reportedly took inspiration for the new ballroom from his own glorious, gold-gilded ballroom at Mar-a-Lago, his private resort residence in Florida.

The Post noted:

The idea for a new ballroom was inspired by Trump’s own massive gold-gilded ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, which can accomodate major events, including his most recent campaign launch.

The East Room currently is the largest event space at the White House and can seat about 200 — or many more if standing squashed closely together, as often is the case for cultural heritage parties.

Social media reacts

Not surprisingly, Trump's critics weren't happy with the idea of tearing into the White House to make a new addition such as a ballroom, but many loved the idea and cheered the president's decision to do it.

"The White House Ballroom project is a prime example of America First efficiency—privately funded modernization that preserves history without burdening taxpayers. While critics clutch pearls over construction, Trump’s vision ensures the People’s House evolves to host global leaders in a space reflecting American grandeur. This isn’t wasteful spending—it’s strategic private investment enhancing national prestige," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "So much fake outrage over this."

It'll be fascinating to see what it looks like when it's completed.