White House begins demolishing part of East Wing for Trump ballroom

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 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.

He said the project is being privately funded by “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, the BBC saw several large pieces of construction equipment – some adorned with US flags – near the East Wing.

Trump wrote in his post that the East Wing was “completely separate” from the White House, though it is attached to the main structure.

The covered entryway, which spans much of the East Wing’s south side, appeared to be being gutted, with concrete debris and metal cables clearly visible from several hundred meters.

The activity had attracted a small number of curious onlookers who stopped to ask photographers and reporters what was going on.

One woman, who was wearing a surgical mask and a sign with an anti-Trump slogan on it, expressed her dismay. She did not identify herself.

“I don’t like it,” she said – seemingly speaking to nobody in particular – as she gestured at the White House from behind a yellow van that was parked nearby. “Look what he’s doing to it!”