WASHINGTON, USA, 23 October (H.S.): President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that the entire East Wing of the White House is being demolished to accommodate a new, privately funded $250 million ballroom.

The move marks a dramatic escalation of a construction project the president previously stated would not interfere with the current building, sparking significant controversy and calls from preservationists to halt the work.

Demolition crews began tearing down the historic structure on Monday, with administration officials indicating the work would be completed by the weekend. Defending the project, President Trump dismissed the East Wing as a building that was never thought of as being much and claimed the changes have been desired for at least 150 years.

He confirmed the project is being funded by himself and some friends of mine – donors, with military involvement .The decision has drawn sharp criticism. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has voiced deep concern and demanded a pause on the demolition, arguing that as a national historic landmark, any alterations to the White House require a public review process.

Prominent Democrats, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, have also condemned the action, with Clinton stating on social media that the White House was not Trump’s house and he’s destroying it.

The East Wing, which was constructed in 1902 and last modified in 1942, traditionally holds the offices for the first lady and her staff. Administration officials stated that modernizing the wing for security and technology was always the plan, but it became apparent during the planning process that a complete demolition was the best option.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar