The demolition of the East Wing of the White House resulted in the destruction of the home of key pieces of American history and rooms that have been available to the public for decades. The East Wing was first built in 1902,

The East Wing’s razing was met with criticism both by preservationists and by over half of the American public.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit chartered by Congress to further the historic preservation policy in the U.S., has written a letter urging the Trump administration to pause the demolition of the East Wing of the White House until a review of President Trump’s ballroom plans is completed.

Personal tastes of presidents - as well as the demands of a growing federal government - has helped dictate changes over time to the White House.

The tear-down of the East Wing removes offices used by the First Lady’s staff, the events team that handles events, and the military office, as well as a key entrance where the public arrives for tours and receptions. Where guests from around the world previously enjoyed state dinners now stands piles of debris.