CBS Reporter Grills Karoline Leavitt on East Wing Demolition in Fiery Battle: Can Trump ‘Tear Down Anything He Wants?’

A CBS News reporter grilled White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during Thursday’s press briefing regarding the president’s authority to tear down federal buildings.

The question came shortly after the demotion of the East Wing was completed to make room for President Donald Trump’s $250 million ballroom.

Reporter Weijia Jiang began, “The White House has explained that the reason you did not submit construction plans to the NCPC (National Capital Planning Commission) is that that committee and others do not have oversight over demolitions, only construction, and so far you’ve not built anything. Can the president tear down, can he demolish this building or say, the Jefferson Memorial?”

“It’s not the president who came up with the legal opinion,” Leavitt said. “That legal opinion has been held by the NCPC for many years…They have ruled consistently — their general counsel has said when it comes to phase-one of this project, the tearing down of the current east wing structure, a submission is not required legally for that. Only for vertical construction will a submission be required. And that is a legal opinion from them. We are following that legal opinion.”

Leavitt added that the current briefing room was once a swimming pool, and that “there have been presidents who have torn down the executive mansion.”

“Again, in due time, the East Wing is going to be more beautiful and modern than ever before,” Leavitt said. “In addition, there will be a big beautiful ballroom that will hold parties for generations to come.”

Jiang interjected, “So, it sounds like the answer is, ‘Yes, he can tear down whatever he wants.'”

“That’s not what we are saying,” Leavitt responded. “That’s a legal opinion that has been held for many years.”

Leavitt then produced photos of construction on the West Wing from 1902.

“These images look quite similar to what you and the American people are seeing today,” she said.

“I’m asking about demolishing — demolition,” Jiang tried again.

“Look at the construction of the West Wing expansion in 1934. So, look, this is a legal opinion that’s been held for many years. Look at! This is 1950,” mused Leavitt

“Can he demolish anything he wants?” Jiang pressed.

“Look at that rubble!” Leavitt said holding up one photo. “How did that rubble get there?”

Watch the clip above via Fox News.