Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday brushed off criticism over the demolition of part of the White House to build a new ballroom, saying the sound of the construction work was “music to my ears.”

Democrats have accused the Republican of failing to respect the presidential mansion, after pictures emerged of excavators tearing off the facade of the East Wing of the building.

As AFP journalists saw the demolition continue on Tuesday, Democrats also criticized him for pushing ahead with a US$250-million plan while Americans face a government shutdown and a high cost of living.

But the 79-year-old property mogul insisted that the work needed to be done, and said that taxpayers would not pay for any of it.

“We’re building a world-class ballroom. For 150 years they’ve wanted a

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