Donald Trump has ordered the demolition of parts of the East Wing to make way for his new $250 million ballroom.
Photos on Monday showed a backhoe ripping into the once-pristine structure that has formed part of the White House complex for more than a century.
Banging and crashing was heard throughout the area as clusters of staffers and journalists watched the construction work begin.
Trump announced in July plans to build a grand, 90,000 square foot ballroom to accommodate state dinners and other formal events.
Renderings show a lavish design — crystal chandeliers, gilded columns and gold inlays — reflecting the opulent aesthetic of the president’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
The new ballroom is privately funded, with Trump chipping in himself. Donors include Silicon Valley titans, Apple and Google, defense behemoth Lockheed Martin, and telecom provider, T-Mobile.
The plans are lavish and reflect the opulent aesthetic of the president’s Mar-a-Lago resort, with renderings showing gold and crystal chandeliers, gilded columns and gold inlays.
The East Wing in its original form was constructed in 1902 as part of Theodore Roosevelt’s renovations, initially as a small structure that served as the public entrance.
It has since been expanded and modified, notably with the addition of a second story in 1942 to provide offices for the First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her staff.
Photos on Monday showed a backhoe ripping into the once-pristine structure that has formed part of the White House complex for more than a century
