Overview
- Renovation work began on Oct. 20 as crews used heavy machinery to tear down part of the East Wing.
- Trump posted on social media that the East Wing will be fully modernized and will be more beautiful than ever when finished.
- He also asserted that presidents have hoped for a grand ballroom for more than 150 years to host major events and state guests.
- U.S. media estimate the project at about 37 billion yen, and Trump says contributions from supporters, U.S. companies, and himself will finance it.
- Japanese outlets including Chunichi and Nishinippon reported the start of work based on Kyodo News, with Getty images showing the demolition underway.