00:00Explained that the reason you didn't submit construction plans to the NCPC is because that commission along with others don't have oversight over demolitions but only over construction and so far you haven't built anything.
00:15So can you help us understand can the president tear down anything he wants without oversight? Could he demolish this building or say the Jefferson Memorial?
00:26So it's not the president who came up with that legal opinion himself. That's a legal opinion that's been held by the NCPC for many years. It's written so we can get you that background in that research if you wish to include it in your reporting because it is very important.
00:42They have ruled consistently their general counsel has said when it comes to phase one of this project the tearing down of the current East Wing structure a submission is not required legally for that only for vertical construction will a submission be required and that's a legal opinion from them and we are following that legal opinion.
01:02And again I would just add can any president do such a thing to the White House grounds? There have been many presidents in the past who have made their mark on this beautiful White House complex.
01:12This briefing room as you all know was not once a briefing room it was a swimming pool. There have been presidents who have completely torn down the executive mansion if you look at what President Truman did as some of the photos of the construction project that took place in those years.
01:26I think sitting here today we're all grateful for those efforts and the modifications that happened at that time. And again in due time the East Wing is going to be more beautiful and modern than ever before and in addition there will be a big beautiful ballroom that can hold big parties and state visits for generations to come.
01:43It sounds like the answer is yes he can tear down whatever he wants. And then secondly I mean we just that's not what we're saying that's a legal opinion that's been held for many years.
01:52No it's something that presidents have done for years and years. In fact I have some photos here to show you the construction that's taken place on the White House grounds.
02:02This is the construction of the West Wing in 1902. Look at this the construction of the West Terrace in 1902. These images look quite similar to what you and the American people are seeing today.
02:12The construction of the East Terrace as well. Look at the construction of the West Wing expansion in 1934.
02:19So look this is a legal opinion that's been held for many years. Look at this is 1950. It looks a lot like what you're seeing today.
02:27Can he demolish anything he wants without oversight?
02:29What do you think that rubble is? How did that rubble get there?
02:31Right. So I'm asking. And then back to the...
02:34Go ahead.
02:35Many of them are...
02:36Two questions. One on immigration and another on Venezuela.
02:40It's being reported that the semi-triber system...
