### Plans for a new White House ballroom
In October, construction crews demolished the entire East Wing of the White House complex, a structure originally built in 1942, to make room for a new state ballroom designed under Donald Trump’s direction. The enormous addition had drawn criticism from both architects and historians, who warned that it would visually overpower the historic executive mansion.
### Shrinking the controversial project
According to new planning documents, even the architect behind the project is now seeking to scale back its dimensions. The revised proposal reduces the ballroom’s footprint and height, bringing it more in line with the existing elegance and proportions of the White House. The original concept featured a massive domed ceiling and grand façade that many critics compared to a Las Vegas hotel, rather than a presidential residence.
### Reasons for the redesign
Sources close to the project say the shift follows strong opposition from conservation experts and public backlash over the idea of replacing a historically significant part of the building. Preservation authorities emphasized that maintaining the White House’s modest architectural harmony takes precedence over creating monumental new spaces.
### Reactions and next steps
The updated plans will undergo further review by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. These bodies regulate any exterior changes to federal landmarks in Washington, D.C. While the administration insists the ballroom will improve functionality for state events, the revised approach aims to balance practicality with historical respect.
> “It’s about returning to proportion and restraint — qualities that define the White House’s architectural identity,” said an official involved in the redesign.
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**Author’s summary:** The White House’s new ballroom project faces downsizing after criticism, as Trump’s architect revises plans to align the expansion with the mansion’s historic proportions.
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The Independent on MSN — 2025-11-27