Why did Trump destroy the East Wing?

The East Wing of the White House was demolished on October 23, 2025. | Eric Lee/Getty Images President Donald Trump has demolished the East Wing of the White House to make way for his planned $300 million ballroom. From start to finish, it only took a few days to destroy the more than century-old structure, which was built in 1902 and substantially renovated and expanded in 1942. As of Thursday, the whole thing is gone. This has, understandably, inspired some questions. High on the list: Is this legal?  Vox collected a few of those questions below, and took our best swing at answerin