Demolition crews have begun tearing down parts of the White House's fabled East Wing to make way for Donald Trump's ballroom.

The US president previously said the project — tipped to cost more than $US250 million ($383 million) — wouldn't "interfere" with the building's existing structure.

But on Monday, local time, large construction equipment was spotted ripping off chunks of the building's facade.

It is not the first time the White House has undergone significant changes.

What are Trump's ballroom plans?

Mr Trump announced on Monday, local time, that ground had been broken on the project after US media began circulating images of the demolition.

He said the ballroom would be "completely separate" from the White House itself, but clarified the East Wing would be "fully modernised"

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