AP photos show the White House East Wing reduced to rubble as President Donald Trump pushes ahead with a $300 million ballroom he says he and friends will fund. Demolition began without approvals from key federal bodies, prompting preservationists to demand a pause and a public review. The National Trust warned the 90,000-square-foot venue could overwhelm the 55,000-square-foot Executive Mansion and disrupt its classical design. Several South Lawn trees were cut as the National Park Service and planning commission (both with jurisdiction) remain closed by the government shutdown; Trump installed aide Will Scharf to chair the commission.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.