WASHINGTON >> With many Washington tourist spots closed due to the U.S. government shutdown, some visitors instead are checking out an unexpected and divisive new attraction in the nation’s capital: President Donald Trump’s surprise demolition of the White House’s East Wing.

From the first day of his second term, President Trump has taken an ends-justify-the-means approach to his presidency.

The two-storey structure of drawing rooms and offices, including a walkway to the White House itself, has been turned into rubble.

I have to be honest, I don’t enjoy home renovation projects. Although, there was a time when I watched enough HGTV that I thought I could probably build an en suite bathroom in my condo. I try not to judge others when they decide to play Bob Vila.

The stunning images of the teardown this week have left Democratic lawmakers incensed. Republicans, meanwhile, are likening it to a long line of White House renovations over the years. There was Franklin Delano Roosevelt's swimming pool addition, now covered over, they said.