First Lady Melania Trump has reportedly expressed reservations about her husband’s ambitious renovation project at The White House, which involves plans to demolish the East Wing to create a large ballroom. This initiative, unveiled by President Donald Trump earlier in October, has already sparked a mixture of support and criticism among the public.
While it has been noted that Melania is generally supportive of efforts to redecorate The White House to reflect the style of their residence in Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, she appears to want to distance herself from the ballroom project specifically. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, she has “privately raised concerns about tearing down the East Wing” and has indicated to associates that it is not her project.
Concerns Over Demolition Plans
Despite previous approvals for alterations aimed at making The White House resemble their home in Florida, Melania’s reluctance regarding the ballroom initiative adds a layer of complexity to the renovation plans. An anonymous source close to the couple revealed, “Anytime Melania and Donald can make The White House feel more like Mar-a-Lago, they will.” This sentiment underscores the couple’s strong affinity for their Palm Beach residence, which Donald Trump has personally decorated and frequently showcases.
The First Lady’s desire to avoid association with the ballroom project comes at a time when public reaction to the renovations is mixed. Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on the historical integrity of The White House. President Trump has assured the public that the renovations will not damage the building, yet images and videos circulating online depict large excavators and machinery actively demolishing parts of the East Wing.
Official Response and Public Sentiment
On October 21, 2025, the National Capital Planning Commission sent a letter to The White House urging the administration to “pause demolition until plans for the proposed ballroom go through the legally required public review processes.” This recommendation reflects growing unease among preservationists and segments of the public concerned about the alterations to the historic site.
In a recent public appearance, Melania Trump attended a state banquet at Windsor Palace, donning a striking yellow gown. However, she garnered attention for forgetting to execute the customary curtsy, further igniting discussions about her role as First Lady.
As the renovation plans unfold, Melania Trump’s intentions in relation to her husband’s project remain a topic of interest, particularly as the couple navigates the complexities of maintaining their personal style within the historic context of The White House.
