The Trump administration is facing criticism at it begins invasive renovations on the White House. Renovations began earlier this week on the East Wing, where the administration plans to create the White House State Ballroom, a “much needed” addition to the White House in order to host state events. “The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, yet the White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance,” a statement from the administration said. According to the statement, the addition will expand the area by approximately 90,000 total square feet, with a 650-person seating capacity. The current space only allows 200.

The project is estimated to cost around $250 million and is being privately funded by President Trump and other donors. McCrery Architects will be the lead architect on the project, with the White House note McCrery’s “classical” design. “Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman,” said McCrery. “I am honored that President Trump has entrusted me to help bring this beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House, while preserving the elegance of its classical design and historical importance.”

President Trump’s critics have been quick to decry the renovations, some looking it as symbolic as the president’s smashing of democracy. Priya Jain, the chair of the Society of Architectural Historians’ Heritage Conservation Committee, noted that other renovations have occurred during different presidencies since 1792, but stated that President Trump’s project is the biggest addition since the 1940s. The outcry has increased with images of the East Wing being torn into. “Trump’s billionaire ballroom. This is a disgrace. Welcome to the Second Gilded Age,” wrote Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla.

The Trump administration has pushed back at critics. “Unhinged leftists and their Fake News allies are clutching their pearls over President Donald J. Trump’s visionary addition of a grand, privately funded ballroom to the White House — a bold, necessary addition that echoes the storied history of improvements and additions from commanders-in-chief to keep the executive residence as a beacon of American excellence,” said the White House. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said the administration has every intention of preserving the White House’s historical value. “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail. The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come.”