We had after really a tremendous amount of study with some of the best architects in the world,

we determined that really knocking it down, trying to use a little section.

You know, the East Wing was not much. It was not much left from the original.

You see it goes beautifully with the White House. I mean, the mix is beautiful.

So over the years, many presidents have made changes. This obviously

would be the biggest change, but this was something they've wanted for at least 150 years.

President Trump defending the construction of the new White House ballroom there. The question is,

is the entire East Wing really need to be demolished for this? Plus, the U.S. military launched two more lethal strikes against alleged drug

boats, this time in the Pacific Ocean.

The question is, are these attacks legal?

And President Trump announced substantial new sanctions on two of Russia's biggest oil companies one day

after a confirmed planned meeting with Vladimir Putin was called off.

The question is, will this move finally bring Russia to the negotiating table?

It's way too early for this.

Good morning and welcome to way too early, the show that knows all too well the stress that home renovations can cause.

I'm Ali Vitale on this Thursday, October 23rd. We'll start with the news. Within days, the entire east wing of the White House will be completely demolished.

That updated timeline comes from two Trump administration officials to NBC News yesterday. And as the president continues to defend

the rapidly expanding scale and price of his addition of a massive ballroom to the people's

house. I think it'll be one of the great ballrooms anywhere in the world. It's about $300 million.

It's set to do many, many things, including meetings of foreign leaders, including the honoring

of foreign leaders.

In order to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure.

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