WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Monday started tearing down part of the East Wing, the traditional base of operations for the first lady, to build President Donald Trump's ballroom .

The Washington Post shared dramatic photos of the demolition work on its website showing a backhoe tearing through the East Wing façade and windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground. Some reporters watched from a park near the Treasury Department, which is next door to the East Wing.

The clearing of trees and other site preparation work started in September.

The White House insists it does not need approval from the National Capital Planning Commission for the demolition work , only for new construction. The commission is responsible for approving construction work and major renovat

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