The White House began tearing into the East Wing on Monday to build President Donald Trump’s $250 million ballroom, moving ahead without approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. Trump announced the start online and noted the noise while hosting 2025 college baseball champions from Louisiana State University and LSU-Shreveport. Commission chair Will Scharf said the agency lacks jurisdiction over demolition. It’s unclear whether plans were submitted; the White House didn’t comment, and commission offices are closed amid the shutdown. The privately funded, glass-walled hall now targets 999 capacity, with Carrier donating HVAC, and aims to open before January 2029.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.