US President Donald Trump on Tuesday brushed off criticism over the demolition of part of the White House to build a new ballroom, saying the sound of the construction work was "music to my ears." "We're building a world-class ballroom," Trump told a lunch for Republican senators at the White House as the grinding and beeping of machinery could be heard in the background. AFP journalists saw demolition work under way for a second day on the East Wing, which is where the offices of US first ladies are located. "The demolition of the East Wing feels very symbolic of what Trump is doing to our democracy," Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono said on X. Trump has launched a major makeover of the White House in his second term -- including paving over the grass of the Rose Garden, where he hosted the Republican senators.