US President Donald Trump said that First Lady Melania 'loved her small office' in the White House, but like the rest of the East Wing, it had to be demolished to make way for a ballroom that is said to be large enough to accommodate hundreds of guests. Trump made the comment in a TV program about renovations to some buildings in the White House, particularly the East Wing. In an interview with 'The Ingraham Angle' on Fox News, Trump added: 'She's very smart, if you asked her now she would say it's great,' referring to the decision to demolish part of the White House, which the president made and which faced severe criticism, including from former US First Ladies. Former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, as well as President Bill Clinton's daughter Chelsea Clinton, also mocked the project to build a larger ballroom. Melania Trump has not publicly commented on the demolition of the East Wing, which traditionally housed the First Lady's office. Her office on the second floor overlooked the South Garden and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, and was also close to the social offices, the Arabic calligraphy offices, and the military offices in the White House. The annex, which was added to the White House in 1942, was demolished last month to make way for the ballroom. Trump said it was 'a small beautiful building built many years ago, then renovated and expanded, then demolished. The columns were removed, it was really a bad and sad place, not suitable for official functions.' The First Lady currently works on the ground floor of the building, which includes the 'Vermeil Room' and the 'China Room', and the White House Library. This area is currently closed to the public. Previously, White House tours included these rooms, but when they resume on December 2, they will follow a different route. (Source: USA Today). The East Wing of the White House traditionally housed the First Lady's office.
