BBC:
Parts of the White House’s East Wing have been demolished, as construction begins on 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 modernised”.
The president previously said that his $250m (£186m) 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 favourite. It’s my favourite place. I love it.”
Trump announced the construction in a social media post, saying “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 wrote.
