President Trump hailed the start of demolition work at the White House East Wing on Monday ahead of construction beginning on his planned, privately funded $200 million-plus ballroom.
The big picture: Critics say the project's funding underscores how corporate America has curried favor for access to the Trump administration. But Trump said on Truth Social Monday that he's "honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!"
Workers demolish the facade of the East Wing of the White House, which has traditionally served as office space for the first lady and her staff. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
"Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process, and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
"For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc," Trump said. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
"The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for Generations to come!" Trump added. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Go deeper: Ethics experts cringe as wealthy woo Trump with ballroom funds
