Rumors swirled that the president was building a "secret bunker" from which to hide from protesters or to serve a third term.

President Donald Trump demolished the White House’s East Wing and intends to build a new structure. None of the work has approval from Congress or the agency that approves construction and renovations of federal buildings.

The White House has fired all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency charged with advising the president, Congress and the city of Washington, DC, on “matters of design and aesthetics,

"The site is under construction" is a sign that could greet visitors peering through the fence at the southeast corner of the White House, trying to catch a glimpse of where the East Wing once stood. Instead, those are the words greeting visitors to the websites of several companies working on building the White House ballroom.

Trump posted dozens of photos of the Lincoln Bedroom’s remodeled bathroom, stating the prior art deco style was “totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era.”

The president plans to build a triumphal arch along the Potomac River and a new ballroom on the White House grounds.

Stewart McLaurin knew it was coming. But the president of the White House Historical Association says it was still “jarring” to see the entire White House East Wing torn down as part of President Donald Trump's plan to add a ballroom.

The move limiting free press access to Room 140, which houses the offices of the press secretary and other staff, was said to be based on national security.

WASHINGTON — The White House will reopen its doors to the public in December for public tours, even as demolition and construction of the East Wing is still underway. According to a press release the tours will feature an updated route.