WASHINGTON -- Legend says that George Washington once chopped down his father's cherry tree.

Satellite images show President Donald Trump's project to build a $300 million grand ballroom has appeared to take down at least six trees on the White House grounds -- including two historic magnolia trees commemorating Presidents Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The satellite images released on Thursday provide the fullest picture yet of the extent of the demolition work on the White House's East Wing and its effect on the surrounding parkland -- changes made without consulting the government commission established by federal law to ensure the preservation and integrity of government buildings in D.C., according to former commission officials who spoke to ABC News.

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