The historic White House is undergoing a significant transformation as demolition of its East Wing has commenced to make way for a grand new addition. President Donald Trump is spearheading this ambitious project, which involves the construction of an 8,360 square meter ballroom, estimated to cost around $200 million USD, equivalent to $307 million AUD.

Onlookers, including CNN, have witnessed the dramatic changes as excavators have started dismantling portions of the East Wing. Captured footage and photographs reveal sections of the roof being dismantled, while machinery works its way through the interior.

Earlier, the White House released artistic renderings of the planned ballroom, which is set to be financed by Trump alongside other private contributors. These illustrations depict an opulent space adorned with gold and crystal chandeliers, elegant Corinthian columns, and a ceiling with intricate gold inlays. The design also includes gold floor lamps and a sophisticated checkered marble floor, with three walls of arched windows offering views of the White House’s picturesque south grounds.

This new ballroom is intended to honor the neoclassical architectural legacy of the executive mansion, the White House stated. With a seating capacity of 650, it will significantly surpass the space available in the East Room—the White House’s current largest event venue—by more than three times.

The new ballroom — which will maintain the “theme and architectural heritage” of the neoclassical executive mansion, the White House said — will have a seated capacity of 650 people, more than three times the space in the East Room, the largest event space in the White House.