Demolition has begun on the East Wing of the White House in preparation for the construction of US President Donald Trump’s new ballroom.
Construction crews on Monday tore out large pieces of covered entrances and windows in the East Wing, which Trump said was being “completely modernized.”
The president previously said his $250m (£186m) White House Ballroom addition would be “closer to” the existing structure but would not replace it.
“It’s not going to disrupt the existing building. It’s not going to be. It’s going to be close to it but not touching it — and totally respects the existing building, which I’m a big fan of,” Trump said in July. “It’s my favorite place. It’s my favorite 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 dreamed of having a ballroom in the White House to accommodate the public for grand parties, state visits, etc.,” he wrote.
He said the project is being privately funded by “many generous patriots”.
The White House has served as the historic residence of US Presidents for over two centuries. The East Wing was built in 1902 and last modified in 1942.
From the south side of the building, the BBC saw several large pieces of construction equipment – some emblazoned with American flags – near the east wing.
Trump wrote in his post that the East Wing was “completely separate” from the White House, although it is attached to the main structure.
The covered access road, which spans much of the south side of the east wing, appears to be broken, with concrete rubble and metal cables clearly visible from several hundred meters away.
The activity attracted a small number of curious onlookers who stopped to ask photographers and reporters what was going on.
One woman, who wore a surgical mask and carried a sign with anti-Trump slogans, expressed her dismay. She did not identify herself.
“I don’t like it,” she said — speaking to no one in particular — as she pointed to the White House from the back of a yellow van parked nearby. “Look what he’s doing!”
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