President Donald Trump has initiated the construction of the White House State Ballroom in place of the existing East Wing. The ballroom will be approximately 90,000 square feet in total, able to seat 650 people. It is designed by McCrery Architects, constructed by Clark Construction, and the engineering team is led by Architecture Engineering Construction Operations and Management. 

The construction of the ballroom is to be separated from the main building of the White House, but the theme and architecture is meant to be almost identical . The construction is projected to be completed before the end of President Trump’s term.

The White House has been acknowledged as one of the most beautiful and historical buildings in America, which is why the demolition of the entire East Wing of the White House is quite controversial among some Americans. It is shown by satellite images that at least two historical trees commemorating Presidents Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt. In all, at least six trees on the grounds were removed.

There are concerns about the construction. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) issued a letter expressing issues to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. It suggests the potential to compromise the symbolic and architectural integrity of the building. The AIA writes: “It demands the highest standards of stewardship.”

As construction continues, the ballroom gains more attention and public debate. For many architects and preservationists, the ballroom brings many concerns. The White House Ballroom brings controversy and debate to the public.