WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The White House confirmed that demolition of the entire East Wing is underway as the first stage in the President’s plan to build a massive ballroom.

Construction workers have leveled the East Wing section of the building in the past 48 hours, and work will soon begin on construction of a massive ballroom, according to White House officials.

The demolition has raised questions about the President’s authority to knock down a significant part of the White House.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the cost of the ballroom project has risen from $200 million to $300 million. Later, President Trump suggested the cost might be as high as $350 million. She defended the President’s right to initiate the demolition of the East Wing.

“They have ruled consistently their general counsel has said when it comes to, phase one of this project, the tearing down of of the current East wing structure, a submission is not required, legally for that only for vertical construction will a submission be required,” Leavitt said. “And, that’s a legal opinion from them. And we are following that legal opinion.”

President Trump showed the press a model and photos of what the new ballroom is supposed to look like, during a press interaction in the Oval Office Wednesday.

In July, the President said the new 90,000 square foot ballroom would hold up to 999 people and would not interfere with the current building.

“With any construction project, there are changes over time. As you assess what the project is going to look like, and we’ll continue to keep you apprised of all of those changes, but just trust the process,” Leavitt said. “This is going to be a magnificent addition to the White House for many years to come, and it’s not costing the taxpayers anything.”

The White House says it will submit plans for the ballroom construction to the National Capital Planning Commission. A majority of the Commission’s members, including the Chairman, have been appointed to their position by the President. The commission is charged with general oversight of major projects and urban planning around the capital city.