Republicans accused Roosevelt of using his major renovation project "to bolster his presidency's image," historical group notes.

Demolition of parts of the East Wing of the White House and construction of the new ballroom have meant tours have been suspended for about two months.

Lorenzo Winslow, the White House architect in the 1930s, designed and oversaw the construction of the East Wing and the bunker, as well as other features of the modern-day White House, including the balcony and major interior reconstruction during Harry Truman’s presidency.

Trump's proposed event venue is set to top 90,000 square feet, much bigger than the rest of the main White House building.

With the White House officially closed to tours, the adjoining gift shop—while not yet bulldozed—has been shuttered indefinitely, too. Trump visited the gift shop in August, and photos show that a digitally altered image of his face—showing an American flag imposed over his stoic headshot—now hangs from the wall.

It’s quite a scene: The East Wing of the White House has unexpectedly, and suddenly, been demolished as President Donald Trump plans to build a ballroom in its place, one that’s nearly double the size of the White House residence with a price tag of $300 million.

The first lady overcame political objections and a lack of funds to embark upon a sweeping restoration of the White House that covered every presidential era and enthralled the country.

President Trump’s renovation of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. is far from the first major facelift of the longtime landmark — there’s a long history of others.

One of the most protected historic buildings in America is being partly demolished. There’s little to stop the president from doing it.