The White House begins demolition of part of the East Wing for the Trump Ballroom.

Demolition of part of the East Wing of the White House began in preparation for the construction of the new ballroom of US President Donald Trump.

Construction crews tore down massive chunks of a covered entrance and windows in the east wing on Monday, which Trump said has been “completely modernized.”

The president previously said his $250m (£186m) addition to the White House ballroom would be “close” to the existing structure but not change it.

“It’s not going to interfere with the current building. It’s not going to be. It’s going to be close to it, but it’s not going to touch it — and it’s totally respectful of the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” Trump said in July. “This is my favorite place. This is my favorite place. I love it.”

Trump announced the construction in a social media post, saying the “ground breaking” for the “much needed” space for the ballroom has been broken.

“For more than 150 years, every president has dreamed of having a ballroom in the White House to host people for big parties, state visits, etc.,” he wrote.

He said the project was privately funded by “very generous patriots”.

The White House has served as the historic home of the President of the United States for two centuries. The east wing was built in 1902 and last modified in 1942.

On the south side of the building, the BBC saw several large pieces of construction equipment – some emblazoned with US flags – near the East Wing.

Trump wrote in his post that the East Wing is “completely separate” from the White House, even though it is attached to the main structure.

The covered entrance, which covers most of the south side of the East Wing, looked gutted, with concrete debris and metal cables clearly visible from several hundred meters away.

The activity attracted a small number of curious onlookers who stopped to ask photographers and reporters what was going on.

One woman, who wore a surgical mask and a sign with an anti-Trump slogan on it, expressed her horror. She did not identify herself.

“I don’t like it,” she said — as if speaking to no one in particular — as she waved toward the White House from behind a yellow van parked nearby. “Look what he’s doing with it!”