White House Historical Association on Trump’s East Wing Changes

The White House Historical Association, initiated by Jacqueline Kennedy to maintain the historical character of the White House, has chosen not to criticize recent changes made by the president.

Date: September 9, 2026, at 5:00 a.m. EDT.

Image Caption: Stewart McLaurin, head of the White House Historical Association, inside a replica of the Oval Office at “The People’s House” exhibit in 2024. (Photo by Tierney L. Cross/For The Washington Post).

In October of last year, President Donald Trump demolished the East Wing of the White House, leading to widespread shock among the public, Congress, and some administration officials.

However, the leaders of the White House Historical Association were not taken aback. A spokesperson revealed that they were informed by late July of Trump’s intention to remove the East Wing to construct a ballroom. Despite this knowledge, they chose not to oppose the president’s plans. The broader public only learned of the demolition when equipment began the work nearly three months after the Association was notified.