Demolition crews descended on the White House's East Wing on Monday, initiating the transformation of the historic structure into a sprawling ballroom envisioned by President Donald Trump.
Heavy machinery tore through the facade and interior of the building, which has long served as the first lady's offices, a theater, and an entrance for visiting dignitaries.
The project, announced by Trump as groundbreaking began, aims to create a state-of-the-art event space without compromising the integrity of the existing landmark.
Images and videos captured excavators dismantling portions of the roof and walls, marking the start of a multi-month overhaul.
The proposed ballroom spans 90,000 square feet and is projected to cost between $200 million and $250 million, with funding sourced from Trump and private donors.
Renderings depict an opulent interior featuring gold and crystal chandeliers, gilded Corinthian columns, a coffered ceiling with gold inlays, and a checkered marble floor.
Three walls of arched windows will offer views of the South Lawn and the Washington Monument, accommodating up to 999 guests — more than triple the capacity of the East Room.
Trump has emphasized that the design respects the neoclassical heritage of the White House, incorporating appropriate colors, window shapes, and architectural elements.
The East Wing, constructed in 1942 over a wartime bunker during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, will be fully modernized as part of the initiative.
This expansion addresses longstanding constraints on hosting large events, which have occasionally required tents on the South Lawn for state dinners.
The undertaking draws parallels to past White House renovations, such as the comprehensive reconstruction during the Truman administration in the 1950s, prompted by structural concerns.
White House communications director Steven Cheung highlighted this history, noting that construction has long been integral to the building's evolution.
Trump, leveraging his background as a real estate developer, has pursued numerous enhancements to the executive residence, including gold ornamentation in the Oval Office and a redesigned Rose Garden echoing his private golf clubs.
He has also advocated for monumental additions in Washington, such as an Arc de Triomphe-inspired structure for the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.
During a Monday event in the East Room with Louisiana State University baseball athletes, Trump remarked on the nearby activity, stating the ballroom fulfills a need the White House has had for 150 years.
Later on Truth Social, he described the result as completely separate from the main structure yet more beautiful than ever.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously confirmed the ballroom's placement over the East Wing area, underscoring its role in expanding entertaining capacity.
At a donor dinner, Trump recounted learning of expedited approvals, underscoring the project's swift commencement.
The White House offered no immediate comment on the demolition's progress.