Massive demolition work began this week on the White House’s East Wing as part of United States President Donald Trump’ s plans to build a new ballroom in a space traditionally reserved for the first lady.

The construction, which started on Monday, is the first structural change to the complex since 1948, and the first under Trump, who has already redecorated the Oval Office in lavish gold furnishings.

According to reporting by The Associated Press news agency, the project went ahead despite not being formally approved by the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency that oversees such operations, which is currently closed due to a nationwide government shutdown.

Trump first announced the new addition to the White House in July and again confirmed it in a post on Monda

See Full Page