President Donald Trump’s tearing down of the White House East Wing’s facade has faced criticism, but the renovation is only the latest of over a century of redesigns. Several of these involved tearing down or gutting significant parts of the White House,

The Trump administration has been defending the demolition work which has begun on part of the White House, to allow the construction of a new $250m (£149m) ballroom.

“The historic edifice at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the People’s House, a national treasure and an enduring symbol of our democracy,”