Donald Trump reveals Melania's honest opinion on $300,000,000 White House demolition

United States President Donald Trump has shared his wife, First Lady Melania Trump's, thoughts on his controversial $300,000,000 White House demolition.

As part of his nine-figure renovation project, the 79-year-old Republican has torn down the East Wing of the White House, which has long been home to the offices of America’s first ladies, in order to make room for a new presidential ballroom.

Melania's team has been affected by the changes, with her staff members having to relocate to various areas of the White House, including the Vermeil Room, the Library, the China Room, and the South Mezzanine.

The 55-year-old was previously called out for her attitude toward the East Wing's demolition, with former First Lady Hillary Clinton taking to social media to criticise the demolition, writing on X last month (21 October): "It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it."

The East Wing of the White House contains the First Lady's office, which is currently occupied by Melania Trump (Roy Rochlin / Stringer / Getty Images)

Additionally, Michelle Obama added during a taping of her podcast last week, according to Vanity Fair: "When we talk about the East Wing, it is the heart of the work.

"And to denigrate it, to tear it down, to pretend like it doesn’t matter — it’s a reflection of how you think of that role."

That being said, it’s well known that Melania has spent much of Trump’s second term away from the Washington residence, residing mostly in New York and Palm Beach.

Her limited presence and minimal public involvement in the often-debated renovations stand in sharp contrast to her first term, when she took an active role in White House restoration efforts, including redesigning the Rose Garden, unveiling a new tennis pavilion, and refurbishing the Blue Room.

It’s not his house.

It’s your house.

And he’s destroying it. pic.twitter.com/YchFF5U1nO

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 21, 2025

Melania has been largely quiet when it comes to speaking out on the East Wing demolition, but Trump revealed on Monday (10 November) that she wasn't fully on board at first but is now warming up to the renovations.

"She loved her little, tiny office," the president told Fox News host Laura Ingraham, when asked about a Wall Street Journal report that Melania had privately raised concerns about demolishing the East Wing.

Trump's tore down the East Wing of the White House, which has long been home to the offices of America’s first ladies (Alex Wong / Staff / Getty Images)

The report in question, published last month, indicated that Melania had allegedly told associates the demolition was not her project.

While Trump didn't deny the report, he did suggest that his wife took on the huge construction project, which began late last month.

"She’s very smart," he said of his wife, during his appearance on The Ingraham Angle, claiming that 'in about one day she - if you were to ask her now, she’d say, 'It’s great.'"

• Donald Trump reveals sneak peek into White House ballroom after $300,000,000 renovation
• Trump begins 'tacky' new UFC ring at the White House
• Donald Trump facing legal action over $300,000,000 White House ‘renovation’
• Melania Trump under fire for attitude towards president’s $300,000,000 White House demolition