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Demolition crews are at work tearing down part of the White House East Wing to make way for what President Donald Trump is calling a "grand ballroom."The president says the East Wing will be modernized as part of the ballroom construction and will "pay total respect to the existing building." In a post on social media, Trump wrote, "I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom....for more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer! The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly."Despite claims that "nothing will be torn down," crews are clearly demolishing parts of the East Wing.It's the largest physical change to the White House since President Harry S. Truman gutted and rebuilt the executive mansion, amid fears of severe structural issues. Just like back then, Trump's changes to the people's house are controversial. The project is moving forward without final federal approval, as the oversight commission that would normally review it is closed due to the government shutdown. The East Wing has traditionally housed the first lady's offices.The White House Historical Association said many presidents have left their mark, noting that Teddy Roosevelt built the West Wing and Barack Obama put in a full-court basketball court. In response to the criticism, the White House published a list of all the different projects other presidents have undertaken during their time in office. This ballroom isn't the first time a president's vision has clashed with tradition, and it probably won't be the last.Get more from the Washington New Bureau here: