Staircase leading to a brick wall: Bizarre architectural flaws emerge in Trump's ballroom design; no one knows what he's building

Donald Trump's ballroom design is in flux as bizarre architectural flaws emerge in the designs released so far. The construction was slated to begin in September, is supposed to be completed before the end of Trump's term. Plans shared by the MAGA administration suggest “a hurried process,” the New York Times reported, pointing out the technical flaws that were found in the miniature model unveiled Wednesday.

A staircase leading to a wall
The model showed a staircase leading up from the South Lawn, but it reaches nowhere and hits a wall.


Windows opening onto one another
Another bizarre feature was a window that appears to open out onto another window.

Last Monday, the White House started tearing down part of the East Wing, the traditional base of operations for the first lady, to build President Donald Trump’s $250 million ballroom despite lacking approval for construction from the federal agency that oversees such projects.

Dramatic photos of the demolition work showed construction equipment tearing into the East Wing façade and windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground. Some reporters watched from a park near the Treasury Department, which is next to the East Wing.

Trump announced the start of construction in a social media post and referenced the work while hosting 2025 college baseball champs Louisiana State University and LSU-Shreveport in the East Room. He noted the work was happening “right behind us.”

The administration has dismissed attacks on the project as “manufactured outrage.” Donald Trump Jr. has rebuffed critiques from members of the Clinton family by pointing out scandals during their time in the White House. The Trump team also updated a page on the official White House website to include a timeline of “major events.” The timeline largely consists of significant construction projects, but Trump aides added in then-President Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky; the discovery of cocaine in the building during the Biden administration; and a 2023 Trans Day of Visibility celebration at which one attendee was topless.

“We’ve been keeping you apprised of this project. We’ve shown you the renderings. And if you look at the renderings, it’s very clear the East Wing was going to be modernized,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.