When the AP heard that demolition was going to begin on the East Wing of the White House, staff photojournalist Jacquelyn Martin said photography and reporting teams immediately began to brainstorm locations to try to reveal the scope of the work.

Visitors, who ordinarily would have entered through the East Wing, will be using an “updated route,” the White House said.

Asbestos, which can pose serious health risks when exposed during demolition, was frequently used in projects at the time of the East Wing’s construction.

Some pages claim their sites are ‘undergoing maintenance’ or are – fittingly – under construction, while others have tampered down their social and online presence

President Trump has made changes to historical elements of the White House, such as the Rose Garden, the Cabinet Room and most recently, the East Wing, which was completely demolished i025.

The move limiting free press access to Room 140, which houses the offices of the press secretary and other staff, was said to be based on national security.