Demolition of the White House East Wing has begun as US President Donald Trump adds a $US200 million ($307 million), 8360 square metre ballroom.

CNN observed an excavator tearing down portions of the East Wing, and close-up video and images captured areas of the roof torn down and an excavator tearing through the interior.

Renderings released earlier by the White House showed that the ballroom, which the administration has said will be funded by Trump and other private donors, would be built over this area.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier this year that the "state ballroom" would occupy space housing the East Wing of the executive mansion, where first ladies have traditionally maintained offices.

The project fulfills a 15-year ambition by the president to cons

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