Trees Fall for Trump's Grand Ballroom Plan

The White House grounds are changing. Satellite images show that at least six trees have been removed. This includes two special magnolia trees. These trees were planted a long time ago. They were there to honor Presidents Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The trees were part of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. This garden was first made by Edith Roosevelt in 1903. Earlier this year, the Rose Garden was also paved over. The Rose Garden and the Kennedy Garden were designed by the same architect. The White House is building a new ballroom. It will cost $300 million. The project started in September. It is supposed to be done before the end of the current president's term. The East Wing of the White House has been leveled. This is where the ballroom will be built. The two magnolia trees were planted in the 1940s. The Harding tree was first planted by Florence Harding in 1922. It was moved in 1947. The Roosevelt tree was planted in 1942. Both trees were designated as commemorative trees in the 1950s. The White House has not said anything about the removal of the trees. The president has said that the ballroom project will not affect the East Wing. He also said that he has not needed any approvals for the project. This is different from how things are usually done. Normally, plans are approved before any work starts.