What’s Up with the White House?

Time Machine

Posted: May 01, 2026

This photo taken from the Washington Monument shows construction of the White House ballroom on March 10, 2026, where the East Wing once stood. (AP/Jacquelyn Martin)
Workers demolish the East Wing of the White House on October 21, 2025. (AP/Jacquelyn Martin)
Artist drawings show plans for the new White House East Wing and ballroom. (AP/Jon Elswick)
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on March 10, 2026. (AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
An artist’s renderings of the new White House East Wing and ballroom (AP/Jon Elswick)

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Heads up, parents! This map is operated by Google, not God’s WORLD News.

Excavators dig. Bulldozers push. Down comes the East Wing of the White House—to be replaced by a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

U.S. President Donald Trump originally said the project would sit next to, but not touch, the East Wing. A few weeks later, the entire wing was gone.

The East Wing was first added to the White House in 1902. Like several past U.S. presidents, President Trump had makeover plans for the White House. But when demolition began at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, many folks said, “STOP!”

The White House does many jobs at once. It serves as home to the President of the United States and the First Family. It also holds office space for people who work for the U.S. government. It’s a place for important guests to meet. And it’s even a museum. Over 500,000 people visit each year.

Who made the first White House changes? The second president, John Quincy Adams.

President Trump talked about a White House ballroom for a long time. Back when Barack Obama was president, Mr. Trump offered to pay for the ballroom himself.

When Mr. Trump became the president his second time, he said the East Room and the State Dining Room wouldn’t hold large crowds. He didn’t like that important gatherings had to happen outside under tents. Too many porta-potties. Too many wet feet during rainy events.

Shortly into his second term, President Trump started the ballroom project. He didn’t get permission from the National Capital Planning Commission first. That agency oversees government buildings in the district.

Officials from the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop the work. They said Congress should approve first.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle disagrees. He says President Trump has legal authority to change the White House just like presidents before him. In April, a judge said Congress did need to approve the major plans. Construction stopped.

Historians say the new ballroom is bigger than needed. Will it be an icon? Or an eyesore?

Why? Humans often chase change. God’s character, purposes, and promises are pure, eternal, unchanging, and always good.