FLASH
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Parts of the East Wing of the White House have collapsed as work begins on US President Donald Trump's new ballroom.
Construction crews on Monday demolished large sections of a covered entrance and windows in the east wing, which Trump said is being "completely modernized."
The president previously said the $250 million White House ballroom addition would be "close" to the existing structure but would not change it.
"It won't interfere with the current building. It will be next to it, but not touching it," Trump said in July.
"It's my favorite place. It's my favorite place. I love it."
Trump announced the construction in a social media post, saying "the groundwork has been laid" for the "much-needed" ballroom space.
"For over 150 years, every President has dreamed of having a Ballroom in the White House to accommodate people for large parties, state visits, etc.," he wrote.
He said the project is being privately funded by “many generous Patriots.” Their identities are still unclear as the White House has not released any names of who might be funding it.
The White House has served as the historic residence of the president of the United States for two centuries. The East Wing was built in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.
On the south side of the building, the BBC saw several large pieces of construction equipment, some decorated with American flags, near the east wing.
Trump wrote in his post that the East Wing was "completely separate" from the White House, although it is attached to the main structure.
The American Institute of Architects has also expressed alarm and called for a transparent review of the project.
But Trump is certainly not the first president to leave his mark on the building.
President Barack Obama, who preceded Trump, converted the tennis court at the White House so it could also host basketball games.
The White House swimming pool was converted into the White House Press Room during Richard Nixon's presidency. Briefings are now held regularly in the room where presidents once swam.
The indoor pool was originally installed in 1933 for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who swam regularly for exercise due to a diagnosis of polio more than a decade earlier.
After it closed, Gerald Ford installed an outdoor pool in 1975.
Before that, one of the largest renovations was carried out under the direction of Harry Truman, who saw the complete destruction and reconstruction of the White House from 1948 to 1952. Truman moved out of the White House during the extensive project.
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