Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Oct 28: A viral photo showing the demolished East Wing of the White House has triggered widespread misinformation online, with several social media users falsely claiming that former First Lady Michelle Obama’s official portrait was destroyed during the demolition.
The rumours began circulating after reports of President Donald Trump’s plan to build a new $200 million ballroom at the White House. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) alleged that the East Wing demolition had led to the destruction of Michelle Obama’s portrait.
One user wrote, “Trump tore down this portrait of Michelle Obama that was in the East Wing! Is that what you voted for?” Another post read, “Michelle Obama supporters are upset — Trump tore down this portrait of Michelle Obama that was in the East Wing!”
However, the claims have been debunked by official sources. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Snopes that the portrait remains “completely intact.” Ingle clarified, “The Michelle Obama portrait was never even in the East Wing to begin with, and everything that was in the East Wing was preserved.”
The portrait, unveiled in 2022, hangs in the Ground Floor Corridor — a section entirely separate from the East Wing that was recently demolished. No credible media outlet or government source has reported any damage to it.
The demolition has sparked online comparisons between renovations made under former President Barack Obama and Trump’s ongoing projects. One viral but false claim alleged that Obama spent $376 million building a White House basketball court.
Meanwhile, the new ballroom project, estimated to cost around $300 million, will reportedly be funded through private donations managed by the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall. Contributions are said to come from major corporations, defense contractors, crypto firms, and high-net-worth individuals.
Among the listed donors, YouTube — a subsidiary of Google — has reportedly directed $22 million from a legal settlement toward the ballroom fund.
Despite online speculation, officials have reiterated that Michelle Obama’s portrait remains untouched and safely displayed inside the White House.