In brief
Demolition has begun in the East Wing of the White House where major renovations are being conducted to build a new ballroom, promoted as a much-needed addition by President Trump. The project, which is being funded privately, is aimed at modernizing the White House while respecting its historic architecture.
Demolition of part of the East Wing of the White House has begun in preparation for the construction of US President Donald Trump's new ballroom.
Construction crews on Monday tore down massive chunks of a covered entryway and windows in the East Wing, which Trump said is being fully modernized.
The president previously mentioned that his $250 million White House ballroom addition would be near the existing structure but would not change it. It won't interfere with the current building. It won't be. It'll be near it but not touching it - and pays total respect to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of, Trump said in July. It's my favorite. It's my favorite place. I love it.
Trump announced the construction in a social media post, claiming ground has been broken on the much-needed ballroom space. For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc, he added.
He said the project is being privately funded by many generous Patriots. The White House has served as the historic home of the US president for two centuries. The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.
From the south side of the building, observers could see several large pieces of construction equipment near the East Wing. Trump described the East Wing as completely separate from the White House, despite its attachment to the main structure.
The covered entryway, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be gutted, with concrete debris and metal cables clearly visible from several hundred meters away. This activity had drawn curious onlookers, including a woman expressing dismay along with an anti-Trump slogan.
