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The White House has been remade repeatedly—and disputed each time—from Jefferson’s colonnades to Truman’s gut renovation after a grand piano leg punched through the floor. Later updates ranged from Jackie Kennedy’s Rose Garden to Nixon’s press room. Now, President Donald Trump’s 90,000-square-foot ballroom, funded by $300 million in private donations, is demolishing the East Wing despite his earlier assurance it wouldn’t touch it. The project sparked public outcry—Hillary Clinton said “he’s destroying it”—while House Speaker Mike Johnson praised it as a glorious addition meant for everyone.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.