Demolition on the White House’s East Wing is under way to make room for Donald Trump’s new $250m (£186m) ballroom.
The demolition marks the first time the wing, built at the beginning of the last century, has been modified since 1942, and is expected to be the biggest transformation of the presidential complex since 33rd US president Harry Truman oversaw renovations between 1948 and 1952.
Mr Trump, who says the ballroom will be paid for by himself and donors, claimed in July that the ballroom would not interfere with the existing landmark, which dates back to 1800.
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Earlier this year, Trump said they have “wanted a ballroom” in the White House for 150 years, adding: “It’ll be beautiful, top, top of the line.”
The former real estate developer and hotelier has not been shy when it comes to making the historic landmark his own.
Here’s a look at some of the other changes he has overseen.
The Rose Garden
The president had the lawn at the White House’s famous Rose Garden paved over during the summer.
The garden, which was created during the administration of John F. Kennedy after being inspired by gardens he saw during a 1961 state visit to France, has long been used for everything from big announcements to Thanksgiving turkey pardon ceremonies.
Mr Trump said the lawn often became “soaking wet” and inconvenienced “the women with the high heels,” leading him to want to put “gorgeous stone” over the grass.
The changes are reversible, and temporary covers have been put over the grass for events in the past.
The Oval Office’s golden overhaul
Mr Trump promised his second term would usher in the “golden age of America” in his inaugural address in January, and that pledge has manifested literally in the Oval Office.
The president has redecorated by adding golden accents to the fireplace, doorway arches, walls and other areas of the room.
He has also added gold-framed paintings of former presidents to the walls, as well as trophies to the mantelpiece behind where he is often seen holding discussions with other world leaders.
“I’ve done some ‘Trump touches’ to the Oval Office,” he said months after being sworn in for his second term. “It’s a little nicer than it used to be, I think.” Mr Trump is well known for his love of golden decor.
A White House spokesperson told Fox News that the gold touches were “of the highest quality,” but did not provide further details other than to say Mr Trump personally covered the costs of the introductions.
Every president adjusts the office decor to their liking, with some hiring decorators. Former president Joe Biden had one of his brothers oversee his changes.
Trump-centric artwork
Mr Trump has bumped the official portrait of former president Barack Obama to another wall in the foyer to make room for one depicting the moment after the assassination attempt on him last summer.
The painting was donated by Andrew Pollock, who lost his daughter Meadow in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
In the Booksellers Hall of the East Wing, between official portraits of former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, Mr Trump has put up a painting of himself, showing the red, white and blue of the American flag superimposed over his headshot.
New flagpoles on the lawn
Mr Trump has installed a pair of flagpoles on the White House lawn, one on the south side of the building, the other on the north.
Prior to their introduction in June, he said he would be adding the “beautiful” flagpoles on the grounds because “they’ve needed flagpoles for 200 years,” and that he would be paying for them.
They add to the flags that were already erected on the White House’s roof.
Historic tree removed from grounds
Mr Trump had a nearly two-century-old tree near the curved portico on the south side of the building removed earlier this year, saying it was “in terrible condition and “a very dangerous safety hazard”.
The southern seeds were believed to have been brought from the Tennessee home of former US president Andrew Jackson, according to the National Park Service.
Mr Trump had a descendant sapling of the southern magnolia planted after its removal, and said the wood from the old tree “may be used for other high and noble purposes”.
