Washington [US], October 24: The entire East Wing of the White House, including the famous colonnade, has been dismantled, as US President Donald Trump speeds up plans to start construction on a ballroom.
Images from the Associated Press show the demolition of the East Wing has almost reached the main White House residence , leaving behind piles of rubble and steel.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on October 23 (US time) urged journalists to "trust the process" as the project to build the ballroom continued to be implemented. Ms. Leavitt affirmed that the Trump administration was completely transparent about this plan.
"When the plans were announced, and when the renderings were completed, the President directed me to come here and share them with everyone. I was very clear about the ballroom project," CNN quoted the White House press secretary.
Ms. Leavitt appeared to acknowledge there was an adjustment in the East Wing demolition plan, explaining: "We have released renderings, and if you look closely, it is clear that the East Wing will be modernized."
"The plan changed," Ms. Leavitt said, explaining that after President Trump heard from architects and contractors, they decided that in order for the East Wing to be modern and beautiful, sustainable and secure for many years to come, the first phase (complete demolition) was necessary.
President Trump said on October 23 that $350 million had been raised for the project, adding that the estimated cost would be around $300 million. While the US leader said he could not announce his personal contribution until the project was completed, he pledged to fund whatever was needed.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper