The President said earlier in the day that the space would fit 999 people, substantially more than the capacity of the East Room.

Demolition work has commenced on parts of the White House East Wing facade to make way for a new $250 million ballroom.

As McClatchy White House correspondent Emily Goodin reported on X: “Bulldozers are taking down the façade and parts of the roof now. Windows have been removed. Trees were seen being taken from the pro...