(The Hill) -- First lady Melania Trump privately raised concerns about demolishing the East Wing for President Donald Trump's new ballroom, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The outlet also reported that the first lady distanced herself from the move, telling associates it was not her project.

The Hill has reached out to the White House and the first lady’s office for comment.

The demolition, images of which have captured headlines, lays the groundwork for the construction of Trump's $300 million ballroom, “a bold, necessary addition” to the executive mansion, the administration said in a statement last week.

The White House has faced backlash from critics over the demolition, which was completed on Thursday. The East Wing has traditionally been home to the first lady’s office and

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