Is Donald Trump building a ballroom or a bunker at the White House?

Oct 31, 2025

Katherine Sibley, a noted White House historian and First Lady specialist, joins the discussion about Trump's controversial decision to demolish the East Wing for a new ballroom. She explains the East Wing's historic significance and what its loss means for future First Ladies. The discussion weaves through public backlash, the potential influence of private tech donors, and the quirky conspiracy theories linking the ballroom to the presidential bunker. Sibley also reflects on how Melania Trump's low profile impacts the First Lady's role in this evolving landscape.

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INSIGHT

Trump's Ballroom Overhaul

Donald Trump demolished the East Wing to build a large, ornate ballroom he insists is needed for big state events.
He claims private donors will fund it, framing the project as practicality mixed with personal grandeur.

INSIGHT

Historic Preservation Concerns

Preservationists and many Americans see the demolition as an attack on White House history and balance of its classical design.
Critics argue the new massive structure could permanently disrupt the White House's architectural symmetry.

INSIGHT

Lavish Design Matches Persona

The White House released gilded renderings of a 650-to-999 person ballroom that match Trump's flashy aesthetic.
The design echoes Trump's repeated preference for grand, classical motifs and extensive gilding.

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Donald Trump’s decision to demolish the East Wing of the White House in favour of a new and much larger ballroom has sparked controversy - and conspiracy theories - across the U.S. The president has wanted to build the ballroom since his first term in office, but he told reporters over the summer that the plans would not "interfere” with any other parts of the White House.

The president says the project will be funded by private donations, backed by some of America’s largest tech companies, sparking questions over what they may want in return. It’s also triggered a number of conspiracy theories online about the presidential bunker that sits underneath the East Wing of the White House.

And, Sarah and Marianna speak to White House historian and First Lady specialist Katherine Sibley about the historic significance of the East Wing, what’s being lost in its demolishment, and what Melania Trump might think about losing her office in the complex.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

GUEST • Katherine Sibley, White House historian

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Grace Reeve, Alix Pickles, Kris Jalowiecki and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is George Dabby. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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