The destruction of a portion of the White House’s East Wing to create the ballroom has hit a nerve among critics, who view it as an overhaul of a historic building for a flashy pet project.

President Donald Trump has proceeded with enormous latitude as he constructs his massive new ballroom, bypassing concerns raised by preservationists and so far stopping short of seeking approval from ...

On Tuesday, Mr. Trump said he no longer planned to meet soon with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, after Russian officials made it clear they had no intention of making a deal to end the war.