The White House said Friday it is resuming public tours of the building in December with an “updated route” after they were paused over the summer ahead of construction of President Trump’s ballroom.
First lady Melania Trump’s office said public tours would restart Dec. 2 with “an updated route offering guests the opportunity to experience the history and beauty of the People’s House.”
The resumption of public tours coincides with the holiday season and the annual White House Christmas decorations.
Public tours are arranged through congressional offices. The first lady’s office said January tours would open up to congressional offices in December.
The first lady’s office in August announced public tours were being paused as construction got underway on the president’s proposed ballroom.
Since then, the East Wing has been demolished as part of the ballroom project, prompting outrage from historians, preservation groups and President Trump critics. Trump had originally said the ballroom project would be adjacent to, but not touching, the existing White House structure.
The president and White House officials have since defended the demolition of the East Wing, arguing it was necessary as part of changing construction plans for the ballroom. Officials have also downplayed the rising $300 million cost of the ballroom, saying it will be covered by private donors.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Melania Trump had privately raised concerns about demolishing the East Wing, which has for years been home to offices for the first lady and her staff.
