Construction work has started on the White House’s East Wing for Donald Trump’s planned $250 million ballroom, one of the largest projects at the presidential residence in over a century. The development has sparked strong criticism from lawmakers and citizens who view it as an act of vanity rather than necessity. Photos published by major media outlets show demolition crews tearing down parts of the East Wing. Eyewitnesses confirmed that construction activity was underway, with sections of the historic building’s exterior already removed. The White House declined to comment on the ongoing project, but Trump confirmed the news on his Truth Social platform, saying that “ground has been broken on the White House” to build the new ballroom. In his post, Trump said the project would not use taxpayer money. “The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous patriots, great American companies, and yours truly,” he wrote. During a ceremony honoring the NCAA baseball champions in Washington, Trump mentioned that “the most beautiful ballroom in the country” was being built nearby and that visitors might hear construction noise during the event. Plans for the new ballroom were first revealed in July. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the facility will cover around 90,000 square feet and seat up to 650 guests. Officials said the funding would come from Trump and private donors. Trump described the project as a long-overdue addition, saying that presidents had wanted a ballroom for 150 years but never managed to build one. He added that he was confident it would be completed quickly, “on time and beautiful.” Reports in August indicated that work would begin in September, with completion expected before Trump’s second term ends in January 2029. Trump also said that the structure would not interfere with the existing White House building. “It’ll be near it but not touching it,” he told reporters. “It pays total respect to the current building, which I love deeply.” Earlier this month, Trump hosted a private dinner for donors contributing to the ballroom’s funding. During the event, he reportedly unveiled the early stages of the project, showing guests where construction had begun. He said the new ballroom would feature bulletproof glass, have room for up to 1,000 guests, and could even host a presidential inauguration. Attendees reportedly included representatives from major technology and defense firms such as Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Palantir, and Lockheed Martin. Criticism of the project has been intense. Democratic Congressman Mark Takano introduced a bill that would block federal funds for any construction or renovation at the White House during a government shutdown unless it was related to health or safety. Monday marked the 20th day of the ongoing shutdown, raising further concern about the timing of the $250 million build. Joe Walsh, a former Republican congressman, called the project “an utter desecration of the people’s house.” He said that if he ran for president in 2028, his campaign would focus on removing the ballroom. “I’d invite the American people to bring their own sledgehammers and help tear that abomination down,” Walsh said. Other critics echoed the sentiment online, arguing that the massive renovation highlights misplaced priorities during a period of economic inequality. Human rights lawyer Qasim Rashid wrote that it was “a vanity project” at a time when wealth and income gaps in America were at record highs. Despite the controversy, Trump remains firm in his decision to move forward. He insists that the ballroom will become a landmark addition to the White House and a symbol of American pride. As construction continues, the project stands as one of the most debated and expensive changes to the presidential residence in modern history.