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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Guardian staff and agencies

What is the White House East Wing and why has it been torn down in Trump’s renovation plans?

Donald Trump White House White House East Wing East Wing Harry Truman Theodore Roosevelt
An aerial view of demolition of the East Wing of the White House
Donald Trump’s demolition of the East Wing has disgusted White House alumni and presidential historians. Photograph: Katie Harbath/AP

It was confirmed on Friday that the East Wing of the White House has now been completely destroyed, days after construction started on the planned $300m (£225m) ballroom that Donald Trump is adding to the historic building.

The demolition marked a reversal of Trump’s earlier promise in July that none of the White House’s existing infrastructure would be torn down during construction of the ballroom.

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