President Trump defended the demolition of the east wing of the White House for the construction of a ballroom, despite Democrats' criticisms regarding the costs and respect for the presidential residence.

Donald Trump has rejected criticism regarding the demolition of the east wing of the White House, where a $250 million ballroom will be built, while the country is facing a budget paralysis. Democrats have accused Trump of not respecting the presidential residence, after photos emerged of excavators demolishing the facade of the building.

During a lunch with Republican senators, Trump stated that he loves the sound of construction and assured that the project will not be funded by taxpayer money, but by private donations. Hillary Clinton criticized the project, stating that the White House does not belong to Trump. The White House described the initiative as necessary and part of the tradition of presidential renovations. Trump has also continued to modify the White House to reflect his personal style, including the decoration of the Oval Office.