Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Trump knocks down White House wall for ballroom

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On Politics

Tue Oct 21 2025

Kathryn Palmer | Politics Reporter

@KathrynPlmr

Hello readers. Welcome to another day of OnPolitics. Kathryn Palmer here, taking you through some of the top politics stories to keep an eye on.

White House facade demoed as ballroom construction begins

Jarring photos of the White House emerged yesterday afternoon, showing a backhoe tearing into the side of the East Wing as construction began on the president's new $250 million ballroom, despite Trump's pledge that his project wouldn't impact existing structures.

The addition is one of the biggest changes to the presidential residence in decades, and is being financed by private donors. The East Wing dates to 1902 and underwent its last major renovation in 1942, when a second story was added. Traditionally, it has been the location of the first lady's office.

For years, Trump has been pushing for a ballroom in the White House that would accommodate large gatherings, such as state dinners.

The facade of the East Wing of the White House is demolished by work crews on October 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of President Donald Trump's plan to build a ballroom reportedly costing $250 million on the eastern side of the White House.

Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images

A politics pit stop

•	Watch: California is voting on redistricting. Will it neutralize Texas' new maps?
•	Ex-FBI director James Comey wants a court to toss out his indictment, calling it vindictive"
•	Trump threatens to "eradicate" Hamas if it doesn't uphold its ceasefire with Israel
•	Trump predicts "fantastic" trade deal with China, amid ongoing trade war

Shutdown reaches three-week mark

The federal government shutdown enters its 21st day today as Democrats and Republicans remain bitterly divided over how to address the rising cost of health care.

Three full weeks into the impasse, the second-longest in history, workers continue to miss paychecks, flights are increasingly delayed and lower-income families face losing food assistance.

It may feel like we're stuck in a time loop, but there is still a flurry of activity − and plenty of debate − on the Hill. The Senate failed for the eleventh time yesterday to approve a House-passed bill to fund the government through Nov. 21. Although three Democrats have joined Republicans, the GOP needs another five Democrats to overcome a 60-vote threshold to send the legislation to Trump.

US appeals court lets Trump send troops to Portland

A judge handed Trump a victory in his campaign to deploy the military to crack down on crime and immigration, allowing the president to send 200 National Guard troops to Portland to quell protests.

An appeals court ruled 2-1 on Oct. 20 that Trump is authorized to deploy troops when "the President is unable with the regular forces to executive the laws of the United States." Judges Ryan Nelson and Bridget Bade, both appointed by Trump, said he acted within "a range of honest judgment." However, the ruling countered the administration's assessment that the city was a "war zone."

It's the latest development in a multi-state standoff against the administration, as Trump broadens his efforts to deploy the military to U.S. cities. Three federal judges have ruled against Trump in California, Illinois and Oregon, but appeals court decisions have begun to split.

Questions, thoughts, concerns? Reach me at kapalmer@usatoday.com.