By Trevor Hunnicutt and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Demolition crews were tearing down part of the White House’s storied East Wing on Monday to begin building President Donald Trump’s ballroom, a project he had said would not interfere with the existing landmark.

Large construction equipment was seen picking apart the facade of the building, a part of the White House complex that has housed the first lady’s offices, a theater, and a visitor’s entrance that welcomes foreign dignitaries.

The ballroom project is expected to cost upwards of $250 million, which Trump said in July would be paid by himself and donors.

“It will be beautiful,” Trump said at the time. “It won’t interfere with the current building. It won’t be – it will be near it, but not touching it. And pays total resp

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