POLITICS

Preservationists Urge Pause on East Wing Demolition

A leading preservation group urged the Trump administration to pause demolition of the White House East Wing, begun this week for a privately funded, $200 million ballroom. In a letter, the National Trust for Historic Preservation warned the 90,000‑square‑foot addition could overwhelm the 55,000‑square‑foot mansion and disrupt its classical design, and asked for legally required public reviews. Excavators tore into offices long used by the first lady’s staff as rhythmic pounding echoed across the grounds. The White House circulated renovation examples and defended the project as work appears to proceed without extensive public review.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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