Trump's Demolition of History and Precedence

President Donald Trump’s vision for a billionaire-backed ballroom is coming to fruition. What used to be the East Wing, housing the first lady’s offices, staff and other historic rooms, is now an empty plot of land. Initially, White House staffers were told not to share photos of the demolition. But satellite images released Thursday reveal the full extent of the destruction. 

The photos stand in stark contrast to Trump’s promise that his new ballroom wouldn’t “interfere” with the integrity of the White House, adding that it will "be near it, but not touching it"  That was obviously a lie.  Americans aren’t too pleased with the vanity project, with a recent YouGov survey finding that 53% of Americans somewhat or strongly disapprove of the demolition.

Trump has already left his gilded mark all over the White House, completely transforming the Oval Office and paving over the Rose Garden. And while presidents are free to make updates to the White House, this is the largest demolition in recent history.

And people are mourning the loss of such a significant portion of the White House. In an op-ed for USA Today, Chelsea Clinton expressed her grief for the destruction of the East Wing. “The White House belongs to the American people, and that’s why we call it the People’s House,” she wrote. “A disregard for history is a defining trait of President Trump’s second administration.”

“This is what happens when we take a wrecking ball to our heritage,” Clinton continued. “What was dismantled today isn’t just marble or plaster; it is a reflection of how easily history can be erased when power forgets purpose."