The full East Wing of the White House will be torn down to make way for President Donald Trump's new ballroom, contradicting the former New York real estate magnate's pledge that the project would not interfere with the existing U.

When President Donald Trump reflected last week on the looming construction of his White House ballroom, the longtime real estate developer was practically giddy about the lack of red tape. He noted his New York projects often took years to break ground.

Here's how the White House looked before and after demolition of the East Wing began, and what the president plans for it.

The White House press secretary was quick to point out that past presidents have wanted a bigger ballroom to host dignitaries.

An excavator ripped off the facade and parts of the roof on Monday, exposing the stone shell below. Windows have been removed. A truck carried trees outside the White House gates and down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Stephen Colbert has proof that the Trump administration knows how unpopular the president’s ballroom project is. As of Thursday, the East Wing of the White House is being demolished to make room for Trump’s $250 million,