U.S. Treasury staff told not to film White House renovation

The U.S. Treasury Department advised its employees not to take or share photos of renovation work at the White House’s East Wing after images appeared online, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The works are linked to President Donald Trump’s project to build a new ballroom. Since the Treasury headquarters overlooks the site, staff were told that publishing such images now requires approval from the Office of Public Affairs.

“As construction continues on White House grounds, employees should refrain from photographing the area, including the East Wing, without prior authorization,” the memo said.

The Washington Post earlier reported that demolition of part of the White House had begun under Trump’s order to build the hall. The project’s estimated cost rose from $200 million to $250 million. The ballroom is planned to hold up to 650 people, more than triple the capacity of the East Room.