While the demolition of part of the East Wing of the White House to make room for President Donald Trump’s new $250 million ballroom has drawn criticism, major renovations to the building aren’t unique to his administration.
The White House, which ushers in 500,000 visitors every year, has undergone several key changes over its history.
Why It Matters
Trump announced his plans to complete the ballroom over the summer and said that the new structure wouldn’t affect the existing White House. Yet, photos emerged on October 20 of demolition beginning on the East Wing.
“It will be beautiful,” Trump said months earlier. “It won’t interfere with the current building. It won’t be—it will be near it, but not touching it. And pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of. It’s my favorite.”
White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Newsweek: “President Trump is working 24/7 to Make America Great Again, including his historic beautification of the White House, at no taxpayer expense. These long-needed upgrades will benefit generations of future presidents and American visitors to the People’s House.”
What To Know
Construction Under George Washington
President George Washington originally chose the site for the White House in 1791, with the construction designed by architect James Hoban. The house took eight years to construct before his successor, John Adams, moved in.
However, during the War of 1812, the British set fire to the original White House, and Hoban was brought back on to rebuild it.
Updates Under Thomas Jefferson
The nation’s third president, Thomas Jefferson, introduced several key shifts to the White House’s architecture during his two terms in office.
His leadership added the east and west colonnades connecting the main residence to service buildings. Despite initial criticism that the updates were too aristocratic or extravagant, according to the White House Historical Association, the architecture is now an integral part of the White House’s appearance.
Andrew Jackson’s Changes
Under President Andrew Jackson, the White House added on the North Portico, a grand entrance that allowed a more formal entry on the northern side.
This update also garnered its fair share of criticism, as Congress spent $24,729 (approximately $850,000 today) on the renovations despite the country facing economic turbulence at the time.
Theodore Roosevelt
President Theodore Roosevelt brought many changes to the White House in 1902, when he removed the Victorian era conservatories to the west of the White House. Instead, builders added on what is now considered the West Wing.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt added the East Wing to the White House. These extra staff offices matched the larger push of the federal government during World War II.
Harry Truman
Long before Trump, President Harry Truman evoked major criticism after the White House gutted its interior between 1948 and 1952. This change occurred as engineers discovered the White House was at risk of collapsing due to damaged wooden beams and outdated plumbing and electrical.
The project would have cost around $60 million today and only maintained the outer walls, rebuilding the rest with modern tools.
Richard Nixon
Under President Richard Nixon’s leadership, the White House’s indoor pool was transitioned into the current James S. Brady Press Briefing Room.
This shift occurred as the White House navigated a growing media landscape in today’s modern world.
What People Are Saying
Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, said in a statement earlier this year: “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail. The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come.”
What Happens Next
Workers started the demolition of part of the facade of the White House’s East Wing on Monday. The new state ballroom is set to be 90,000 square feet and able to seat 650 people.
