Demolition of part of the East Wing of the White House has begun in preparation for the construction of 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 by many generous Patriots.
The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and was last modified in 1942, serving as a historical part of the White House.
From the south side of the building, several large pieces of construction equipment - some adorned with US flags - were visible near the East Wing.
The covered entryway, spanning much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be getting gutted, with concrete debris and metal cables visible.
This renovation has attracted curiosity, with onlookers stopping to inquire about the changes. Among them, one discontent viewer expressed her unhappiness with the ongoing alterations.
I don't like it, she said, gesturing at the White House with a surgical mask on and an anti-Trump sign nearby. Look what he's doing to it!
