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Why is Trump giving the White House a makeover?

Say goodbye to the East Wing as you know it.

The White House, in the heart of Washington DC, has housed American presidents for more than two centuries. But now, the East Wing of the famous complex has been torn down by President Donald Trump.

He says he鈥檚 replacing it with a huge ballroom to host events. The administration hasn鈥檛 revealed plans for it just yet, but the latest estimated cost its around $300m.

So did President Trump have permission to partially demolish the building? What do people think about it? We speak to 麻豆社 reporter Sakshi Venkatraman, all the way from New York. She also explains how President Trump isn鈥檛 the only one who has made changes to the presidential residence over the years, but he鈥檚 already made a few since moving back in.

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Presenter: Chelsea Coates
Producers: Imogen James and Emily Horler
Editor: Verity Wilde

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10 minutes

Last on

Thu 30 Oct 2025 03:50GMT

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  • Wed 29 Oct 2025 18:50GMT
  • Thu 30 Oct 2025 03:50GMT

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