Melania Trump Distances from White House East Wing Demolition Amid $300M Ballroom Project

President Donald Trump is undertaking a controversial demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House to build a large new ballroom, a project estimated to cost up to $350 million. This drastic redevelopment has sparked public outcry, including criticism from former First Lady Hillary Clinton, who condemned the destruction of a national landmark. Despite President Trump's enthusiasm for the renovation, First Lady Melania Trump has privately expressed concerns about the demolition, telling associates it is not her project and distancing herself from the plans. The East Wing, which has housed the Office of the First Lady since the Carter administration, has been completely torn down, disrupting the first lady's staff and workspace. The White House has defended the project, with a spokesperson emphasizing that the new ballroom will enhance the functionality and beauty of the People’s House for future presidents and Americans. Melania Trump has remained publicly silent on the issue, consistent with her relatively remote role during her husband's second term and her preference to spend time outside Washington, D.C.