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.
President Donald Trump is in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on October 15, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
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 section of the presidential residence’s east side.
The Washington Post also reported that 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.
Demolition of a section of the East Wing of the White House, during construction on the new ballroom extension in Washington, DC, on October 21, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Trump Boasts of His Beautiful Ballroom Plans
he 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.”
Heavy equipment demolishes a portion of the East Wing of the White House in preparation for construction of a new ballroom on October 21, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
In his October 20 post, Trump 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 bring it to life. 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.”
President Donald Trump in New York City on May 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.” 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 Trump from a low angle, a choice he criticized as unflattering and poorly executed, questioning the intent behind the image.
Trump’s Disappearance and Rumors of His Death
Trump’s fierce comments come just weeks after he made headlines for a different reason — his unusual absence from the public eye, which sparked bizarre online rumors claiming he had died.
On August 30, 2025, at 8:45 a.m., the president was spotted for the first time. He reemerged into public view clad in a crisp white polo shirt, sharp black pants, and his signature red “Make America Great Again” hat.
At his side were his teenage granddaughter, Kai Trump, and grandson, Spencer Frederick Trump. The trio was ushered into a waiting vehicle bound for his beloved golf club in Sterling, Virginia.
Donald Trump and his grandchildren, Kai and Spencer Frederick Trump, on the south lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on August 30, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Rumors over Trump’s well-being started circulating when the White House released a blank schedule for Labor Day weekend, listing no public events. The president had last been seen during a Cabinet meeting, prompting some netizens to theorize about his health.
Since Trump stepped back into public view, one netizen noted, “Our last president wasn’t seen often for days at a time [sic]; why jump to conclusions after a few days?”
President Donald Trump speaking during a Cabinet Meeting on August 26, 2025, at the White House in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Others were less forgiving, as one mocked, “It’s his clone lol,” while a second alleged, “Dude, that clearly isn’t even him!” A third couldn’t resist ridiculing Trump’s famously branded wardrobe, writing, “Does he own clothes that DON’T have his name in them??”
As speculation continued to rage on social media, Vice President J.D. Vance publicly defended Trump’s health while also addressing his own readiness to lead if needed. Speaking to USA TODAY on August 27, Vance defended his embattled commander-in-chief while confronting the haunting question: What if tragedy strikes?
President Donald Trump and his granddaughter, Kai Trump, on the south lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on August 30, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
“The president is in incredibly good health. He’s got incredible energy,” Vance said. The vice president added that Trump often ends his days and begins his mornings with phone calls, keeping an active schedule that outpaces many of his younger staffers.
Donald and Spencer Frederick Trump at Trump National Golf Course in Sterling, Virginia, on August 30, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Although Vance maintained that the president is fully capable of leading, he also recognized the inevitable concerns that come with age, briefly addressing the unspoken questions about the president’s longevity in office.
Despite his concerns about Donald Trump‘s age, Vance expressed confidence in the president’s health and leadership, saying he believed the president would complete his term successfully and continue delivering on his promises to the nation.
Donald and Spencer Frederick Trump at Trump National Golf Course in Sterling, Virginia, on August 30, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Now, as work continues on the East Wing and construction on the new ballroom advances, 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.
