The East Wing of the White House is undergoing a more extensive renovation than initially announced during the $250 million ballroom-construction project.

Ground crews cut down trees and shrubs on the South Lawn in preparation in September for the $250 million, 90,000-square-foot expansion of the East Wing that will contain the White House Ballroom, a formal dining area for an estimated 999 people.

The White House is pushing back against criticism of the ongoing demolition of the building's East Wing, pointing to other renovations under previous presidents.