White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shows images of historical White House construction projects at Thursday’s briefing.

WEIJIA JIANG, CBS NEWS: So the White House has explained 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. So 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? KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE: So 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 and that research if you wish to include it in your reporting because it is very important. They 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. And 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. This 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, some of the photos of the construction project that took place in those years, I 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. JIANG: So it sounds like the answer is yes, he can tear down whatever he wants. KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE: Weijia, that’s not what we’re saying. That’s a legal opinion that’s been held for many years. JIANG: Is that how you’re interpreting it? LEAVITT: No, it’s something that presidents have done for years and years. In fact, I have some photos here. Thank you, Pat. To show you the construction that’s taken place on the White House grounds. [PHOTOGRAPHS] This 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. The construction of the East Terrace as well. Look at the construction of the West Wing expansion in 1934. So, look, this is a legal opinion that’s been held for many years. Look it, this is 1950. It looks a lot like what you were seeing today. JIANG: Can he demolish anything he wants? LEAVITT: What do you think that rubble is? How did that rubble get there?

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