Trump demolished part of the White House to build a luxurious ballroom (4 photos)

A massive hole now yawns in the heart of American democracy. On October 20, construction workers demolished a wall in the East Wing of the White House. The US President announced that this work would lead to a "complete modernization" of the building.





Back in July, Donald Trump said the ballroom would be located "next door" to the White House: "The new building will not interfere with the old one. It will be next to it, without touching it, which will be a tribute to this place that I hold dear. It's my favorite place. I love it."



Trump announced the construction project on social media: "For over 150 years, every president has dreamed of a White House ballroom to host grand soirees and dignitaries."

The project is estimated to cost $250 million. Trump claimed the money was raised by "generous patriots." He also noted that the construction work would not interfere with government operations, as the East Wing is isolated from the rest of the building.

The White House has undergone numerous modernizations. Swimming pools have been converted into press centers, bowling alleys have been installed, and Barack Obama added a tennis court.





Trump also plans to build a triumphal arch in Washington.

"Every time I drive across this magnificent bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, I think: there should be something else here. We have ideas..." the US President said, showing miniature models of various options.

"In 1902, they were planning to erect a statue of Robert E. Lee. I wouldn't have objected, although many people didn't like the idea. And it was never built."

Robert Edward Lee was a general in the Confederate Army, which lost the American Civil War.