Coming soon: The ball room.
Demolition crews on Monday began tearing down part of the White House to build President Donald Trump’s long-desired ballroom despite his pledge that construction of the $250 million addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing building.
Construction teams were demolishing a portion ofthe East Wing, with a backhoe ripping through the structure, according to a photo shared with The Washington Post and two people who witnessed the activity and spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe it.
A cluster of people, including members of the Secret Service, stood on the steps of the Treasury Department to watch the construction unfold, said one of the people. Sounds of construction were also audible on the White House campus, although the project was not easily visible to the public given fencing on the grounds.
The White House said the demolition will not effect any structural integrity of the rest of the building..
The Administration said the project will be completed by 2029..
The East Wing of the White House will be modernized at the same time as the ballroom is constructed. BBC News described the proposed interior as being “lavish … including chandeliers and ornate columns”.
