Michael Wolff: Trump Secretly Ordered East Wing Teardown in Profanity-Laced Rant
Author Michael Wolff has revealed details about President Donald Trump’s secret demolition plans for the East Wing of the White House. According to Wolff, Trump initially pledged to preserve the historic building but later learned it would be more efficient to tear it down to expedite the construction of a new ballroom.
Decision to Demolish the East Wing
During a meeting, experts reportedly suggested to Trump that demolishing the 123-year-old East Wing would be cheaper and quicker. Wolff stated that Trump was primarily concerned with keeping this demolition under wraps from the public.
Instead of following the standard review process, Trump went ahead with the destruction without input from the National Capital Planning Commission or other federal bodies. A fence was erected around the site, limiting public visibility of the demolition.
Secrecy Surrounding the Demolition
Wolff recounted a quote where Trump asked if the demolition could occur during the night, suggesting he wished for the East Wing to disappear without notice. The actual demolition began on the morning of October 20, although the public was largely unaware of the proceedings.
By the time White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Trump’s change of heart about preserving the East Wing, the structure had already been reduced to debris. Leavitt explained that advice from architects necessitated the demolition for a “modern and beautiful” outcome.
Trump’s Ambitions for the Ballroom
Trump’s goal is to construct a lavish 90,000 square-foot ballroom, a project estimated to cost around $300 million. He claimed the expense would be fully covered by his funds and contributions from associates. However, Wolff highlighted that funding has also come from large technology companies and private donations, raising questions about financial transparency.
- Initial project estimate: $100 million
- Revised estimates: Increased to $200 million, then $250 million, and now $300 million
Public Perception and Response
Despite Trump’s excitement about the demolition sound being “music to my ears,” there are indications that he is concerned about potential backlash from the public. Recently, the administration discouraged federal employees from sharing images of the destruction.
Furthermore, Trump took decisive actions, such as firing members of the Commission of Fine Arts, which would typically oversee such projects. Reports surfaced that media coverage of the demolition was also subdued following visits from media executives.
Wolff suggested that within the White House, plans for naming the new ballroom as the “Trump Ballroom” have been made, despite Trump’s denials about choosing a name.
Final Thoughts
The demolition of the East Wing symbolizes a significant alteration in the White House landscape. As the project progresses, it raises broader questions about the interplay of power, architecture, and public scrutiny during Trump’s presidency.
