Arthur Murray lives ... in the East Wing

Work begins on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House on Monday in Washington, D.C.,
before construction of a new ballroom. Evan Vucci/AP

The Donald is channeling Arthur Murray, the doyenne of ballroom dancing while displacing Melania
as the East Wing was historically where the first lady worked.

Arthur Murray dances with his wife (1925)

WASHINGTON — The White House on Monday started tearing down part of the East Wing, the traditional base of operations for the first lady, to build President Trump's $250 million ballroom despite lacking approval for construction from the federal agency that oversees such projects.

President Trump has said he wants to build a "beautiful ballroom like I have at Mar-a-Lago" — seen here on December 31, 2022 — at the White House.

Dramatic photos of the demolition work showed construction equipment tearing into the East Wing façade and windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground. Some reporters watched from a park near the Treasury Department, which is next to the East Wing.

Trump announced the start of construction in a social media post and referenced the work while hosting 2025 college baseball champs Louisiana State University and LSU-Shreveport in the East Room. He noted the work was happening "right behind us."

A model is seen as President Trump addresses a dinner for donors who have contributed to build the new ballroom at the White House on Oct. 15 in Washington, D.C. John McDonnell/AP

In closing ...

Trump insists that presidents have desired such a ballroom for 150 years and that he's adding the massive 90,000-square-foot, glass-walled space because the East Room, which is the largest room in the White House with an approximately 200-person capacity, is too small. He also has said he does not like the idea of hosting kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers in pavilions on the South Lawn.

Trump said in the social media announcement that the project would be completed "with zero cost to the American Taxpayer! The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly."

No doubt this gem will be done up in gold, right?