Michelle Obama talks how she ‘felt in her body’ watching White House’s East Wing demolition

Michelle Obama spoke openly about her reaction to the demolition of the White House’s East Wing, offering a thoughtful take on what the moment represented to her.

The East Wing of the White House, which is home to the First Lady’s office, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, and several ceremonial spaces, are currently being torn down as part of President Donald Trump’s plan to build a new $300 million ballroom on the site.

Obama answered, “It’s not about me, it’s about us and our traditions and what they stand for. I think in my body I felt confusion because I’m like, ‘Well, who are we? What do we value and who decides that?’”

She explained, “That’s the thing that’s going through my head a lot lately. ‘Who are we? What are the rules?’ Because I’m confused by what are our norms and our mores, not the laws, but how do we live together? That’s the part of it that hurts. It’s not the house…I’m just, you know, just trying to understand the assignment. And so I think I felt a loss for us as a nation.”

Obama also clarified, “Personally, you know, that’s not our house. That’s the People’s House.”

The White House confirmed the demolition plans back in October.

Spokesman Davis Ingle said at the time, “President Trump is working 24/7 to Make America Great Again, including his historic beautification of the White House, at no taxpayer expense. These long-needed upgrades will benefit generations of future presidents and American visitors to the People’s House.”

Trump’s project, which the administration has also referred to as a “beautification” effort, has drawn strong reaction from critics.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton weighed in on X in October, writing, “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.”

The East Wing, in its modern form, dates back to 1942, when it was built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration to accommodate offices and wartime operational needs

Over the decades it became closely associated with the First Lady’s work, public engagement spaces, and traditional events.

As the demolition continues, First Lady Melania Trump and her staff have been temporarily relocated while construction crews continue clearing the site for the planned ballroom, which is expected to cost at least $250 million according to earlier estimates.