WASHINGTON — On Monday, the White House began dismantling a portion of the East Wing, traditionally the first lady’s domain, to pave the way for the new ballroom envisioned by President Trump.

The Washington Post has published striking images of the demolition, capturing a backhoe as it dismantles the East Wing’s exterior, with windows and other structural components visibly scattered across the ground. Several reporters observed the scene from a nearby park, adjacent to the Treasury Department, which neighbors the East Wing.

Initial preparations, including tree removals and site clearing, commenced in September.

The White House maintains that it only requires the approval of the National Capital Planning Commission for the new construction, not for the demolition itself. This commission is tasked with overseeing construction and significant renovations of government properties in the Washington D.C. area. Its current chairman, Will Scharf, also serves as the White House staff secretary and is a key aide to President Trump.

The commission has not approved the construction and it was unclear whether the White House had submitted the ballroom plans to the agency. The commission’s offices are closed because of the government shutdown.

The Republican president has said he’s adding a massive a 90,000-square-foot ballroom because the East Room, which is the largest room in the White House with an approximately 200-person capacity, is too small and he does not like the idea of hosting events in pavilions on the South Lawn.

The ballroom will fit 999 people, Trump said last week.

The White House has said it will be completed before his term ends in January 2029.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.