Trump begins demolishing part of White House to make way for ballroom

Parts of the White House's East Wing have been demolished, as construction begins on US President Donald Trump's new ballroom.

Construction crews on Monday tore down massive chunks of a covered entryway and windows in the East Wing, which Trump said is being "fully modernised".

The president previously said that his $250m (£186m) White House ballroom addition would be "near" the existing structure but would not change it.

"It won't interfere with the current building. It won't be. It'll be near it but not touching it - and pays total respect to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," Trump said in July. "It's my favourite. It's my favourite place. I love it."

Trump announced the construction in a social media post, saying "ground has been broken" on the "much-needed" ballroom space.

"For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc," he wrote.

He said the project is being privately funded by "many generous Patriots". Their identities are unclear still as the White House has not released any names of who might be funding it.

The White House has served as the historic home of the US president for two centuries. The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.

From the south side of the building, the BBC saw several large pieces of construction equipment - some adorned with US flags - near the East Wing.

Trump wrote in his post that the East Wing was "completely separate" from the White House, though it is attached to the main structure.

The covered entryway, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be being gutted, with concrete debris and metal cables clearly visible from several hundred meters.

Though the White House and its adjoining parks are administered by the National Park Service (NPS), the President generally has broad powers to make renovations.

Robert K Sutton, former chief historian of the NPS, told the BBC that there is always public concern when the White House goes under construction.

"There has been controversy with anything going on related to the White House pretty much since it was built," he said. "Both of the wings of the White House are very symmetrical, they have function."

But Sutton said he's concerned about what he sees as a lack of transparency from the Trump administration in the ongoing construction - from the size of the ballroom to its design elements.

He also wants to know whether the White House will follow time-tested guidelines for historical preservation.

"It's always been called the People's House," he said. "This building is so important. It's considered the most important executive building in the world, yet we just don't know what's happening."