A wave of controversy has swept through Washington as crews began demolishing part of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a new ballroom commissioned by the president, prompting a rebuke from the former first lady.
Former First Lady Hillary Clinton has issued a sharp response on X, reminding Americans that the White House belongs to the public and criticizing President Donald Trump’s decision as a disregard for its historic significance.
The blunt post comes as the $250 million expansion moves forward, quickly becoming one of the most controversial projects in modern presidential history.
Shocking Scene at the Nation’s Most Iconic Residence
Despite earlier promises from Trump that the construction would not affect the historic structure, photos tell a different story, showing heavy machinery smashing through the East Wing facade.
According to The Washington Post, the sound of demolition carried across the White House campus, even as security fencing hid most of the work from view.
Meanwhile, a handful of onlookers, among them Secret Service agents, were seen near the Treasury Department steps as work got underway.
Trump Boasts of His Beautiful Ballroom Plans
The president marked the milestone on his Truth Social on Monday, October 20, 2025, writing, “I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom.”
In that post, he insisted the ballroom represents a modernization of the historic estate. He said it would enhance the building’s appearance, claiming that past presidents had long dreamed of such a structure — but he alone had the vision and determination to follow through.
Trump further noted that the project was not financed by taxpayers’ money, saying:
“The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for Generations to come! President DJT.”
Trump’s Fury over Time Magazine Cover
The ballroom uproar isn’t the only headline involving the president. He also slammed Time Magazine after it published a glowing story on October 13, highlighting his role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza.
Though the article praised him, Trump took issue with the cover image, posting, “Time Magazine wrote a relatively good story about me, but the picture may be the Worst of All Time.”
He didn’t stop there. In the same post on his social media, he complained that the photo distorted his appearance, suggesting his hair had been altered, which made him look unnatural.
The cover photo showed Donald Trump from a low angle, a choice he criticized as unflattering and poorly executed, questioning the intent behind the image.
Balancing Tradition with Modernization
As work continues on the East Wing and construction on the new ballroom moves forward, debate is growing over the balance between preservation and modernization.
For Clinton, the issue goes beyond aesthetics or personal preference. It centers on respecting a historic building that has represented the American people for more than two centuries — and questioning the decision to reshape it so significantly.