The White House ballroom construction is underway, with crews recently removing a large tree on the South Lawn. The project is linked to President Donald Trump’s plan to build a $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom south of the East Wing. Reports indicate work includes clearing trees, shrubs, and soil as part of the development.
Trump highlighted the initiative during a visit, pointing to construction vehicles near the East Wing. However, details remain unclear, with no official architectural plans or location disclosures submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission. The White House has not specified how many trees will be removed.
The site’s history includes the “Jackson Magnolia,” a tree planted by President Andrew Jackson in the 19th century and later designated a Witness Tree by the National Park Service. Estimated to be over 150 years old, it was removed in April 2025 due to safety concerns. A sapling of the same species was planted by Trump the following day, continuing a tradition tied to the original tree’s legacy.
