Construction of Trump's $250 million White House ballroom begins without approval

Despite earlier assurances that his plans would leave the White House untouched, US President Donald Trump’s controversial expansion project has begun with the visible demolition of the historic East Wing. 

International correspondent Adam Gilchrist reports that the $250 million proposal, which is centred on building a lavish ballroom, is now physically underway, with exposed masonry, rubble, and wiring revealing a large section already torn open.

Gilchrist says Trump previously claimed the new addition would not interfere with the existing structure and would be "near it but not touching it".

However, recent images from the site show clear damage to the East Wing, contradicting those statements and raising alarm among preservationists and political observers.

"Interestingly, and not surprisingly, the improvement project for the White House has no approval from the federal agency that oversees improvement projects. It's very much off the cuff with Donald Trump, but isn't it often?" notes Gilchrist.

To listen to Gilchrist in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below [skip to 2:58].