Demolition begins on East Wing of the White House to build Trump’s new ballroom
Demolition begins on East Wing of the White House to build Trump’s new ballroom
White House says it does not need approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which is closed because of the government shutdown
The White House on Monday started tearing down part of the East Wing, the traditional base of operations for the first lady, to build US President Donald Trump’s ballroom.
The Washington Post shared dramatic photos of the demolition work on its website showing a backhoe tearing through the East Wing, with windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground.
Some reporters watched from a park near the Treasury Department, which is next door to the East Wing.
The clearing of trees and other site preparation work started in September.
The White House insists it does not need approval from the National Capital Planning Commission for the demolition work, only for new construction.
The commission is responsible for approving construction work and major renovations to government buildings in the Washington area.
