The two-story structure of drawing rooms and offices, including a walkway to the White House, has been turned into rubble.

 

Associated Press photojournalist Jacquelyn Martin was one of the first reporters to get footage of the demolishment.

 

“When I got to the top of the building, I wasn't sure what to expect. I photographed it the last two days and it was sort of in progress. But when I got to the top, I just said, whoa, the East Wing is completely gone,” Martin said.

 

The wing has been demolished as part of the Republican president’s plan to build what he says is now a $300 million ballroom nearly twice the size of the White House itself.

 

Martin has been a photojournalist in Washington for nearly 20 years and has covered many White House events and even attended a handful of holiday parties hosted by former presidents over the years.

 

“I have a photograph of myself and my son attending a White House Christmas party in front of a building that no longer exists,” Martin said.