White House East Room demolition begins for Trump's Ballroom construction, and more from around the world
Moving, tragic, surprising, inspiring, terrifying, shocking... This is a selection of images from our planet, over the past seven days.
Workers demolish the facade of the East Wing of the White House on October 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to build a ballroom reportedly costing $250 million on the eastern side of the White House. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
US President Donald J. Trump holds a mock-up of the new White House Ballroom as he meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 22 October 2025. The leaders met to discuss continued support for Ukraine. EPA/AARON SCHWARTZ / POOL U.S. President Donald Trump holds a model of an arch as he delivers remarks during a ballroom fundraising dinner in the East Room of the White House on October 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump hosted organizations and individuals for a fundraising dinner for the new $250 million ballroom addition currently under construction at the White House. (Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) A protestor wears a baby costume with a mask of U.S. President Donald Trump during the second "No Kings" protest on October 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. Organizers expect millions to participate in cities and towns across the nation for the second "No Kings" protest to denounce the Trump administration. (Photo: Nathan Howard/Getty Images) Anti-I.C.E. protesters clash with federal agents at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on October 18, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. Organizers expect millions to participate in cities and towns across the nation for the second "No Kings" protest to denounce the Trump administration. (Photo: Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images) The façade of Centre Pompidou’s modern and contemporary art collection is seen with a pyrotechnic mural made by the artist Cai Guo‑Qiang during Le Dernier Carnaval show, in Paris, France, 22 October 2025. The show is part of a farewell event honouring the Centre Pompidou before its closure for a five-year renovation period. EPA/Mohammed Badra French Police officers seal off the entrance to the Louvre Museum after a Jewllery Heist on October 19, 2025 in Paris, France. France's Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, announced the closure of the world-famous art museum on X due to the robbery taking place just after the Louvre opened to the public. It is being reported that millions of pound with of historic jewellery belonging to Napoleon and Empress Josephine has been stolen. (Photo: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images) A vehicle is seen after ramming a security barricade at the White House complex on October 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Secret Service reported that one individual was arrested and that the vehicle is now deemed safe. (Photo: Andrew Leyden/Getty Images) The wreckage of an AirACT cargo aircraft operated for Emirates Airline near the runway at Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, China, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. The aircraft skidded into the sea after hitting a ground crew vehicle when landing at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday, killing two people. (Photo: Leung Man Hei/Bloomberg via Getty Images) A 21 year old shooting survivor speaks to media at Sophiatown Police Station on October 22, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This comes after two teenagers were shot dead and five others were injured in a suspected gang-violence shooting. (Photo: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo) City of Joburg employees during Region E High-Impact Service Delivery Operation in Wynberg on October 21, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The operation focused on enforcing municipal by-laws and removing illegal structures as part of the city's broader service delivery programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo) Street vendors being removed by JMPD during Region E High-Impact Service Delivery Operation in Wynberg on October 21, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The operation focused on enforcing municipal by-laws and removing illegal structures as part of the city's broader service delivery programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo) A Hindu Temple during Diwali celebrations on October 20, 2025 in Lenasia, South Africa. The Hindu festival of lights symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. (Photo: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi) Devotees practice rituals as they attend Diwali celebrations at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as Neasden Temple, on October 20, 2025 in London, England. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated each autumn. (Photo: Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Sculpture 'Begrudgement', by Ruth Abernethy is seen as part of the annual Sculpture By The Sea on October 15, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Sculpture by the Sea returns to Sydney's Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk from October 17 to November 3, 2025, showcasing 100 sculptures by artists from around the world in Australia's largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition. (Photo: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) Kyle Ryde of Great Britain and Nitrous Competitions Racing #1 celebrates winning the championship after the final race on day three of the 2025 British Superbike Championship Finale at Brands Hatch on October 19, 2025 in Longfield, England. (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images) José Antonio Rueda of Spain and rider of the #99 Red Bull KTM Ajo and Joel Kelso of Australia and rider of the #66 LEVELUP ‑ MTA celebrate 1st and 2nd place with a 'Shoey' on the podium after the Moto3 race during the MotoGP of Australia at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 19, 2025 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Tobizaru throws salt before his match against Shonannoumi during day one of The Grand Sumo Tournament at Royal Albert Hall on October 15, 2025 in London, England. This is the first time since the 1991 event at the Royal Albert Hall that an official Five Day Basho tournament will take place outside of Japan. The tournament will host the most accomplished and elite sumos, including those who have reached the top rank of Yokozuna, and showcase Japan's rich cultural history and traditions. (Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Carlos Alcaraz of Spain serves against Taylor Fritz of the United States in their semifinal match during day two of the Six Kings Slam 2025 at ANB Arena on October 16, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Greenwich Crew 'B' boat competes in the Women's Youth Eights division of the Head of the Charles Regatta 2025 on the Charles River on October 19, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Silja Stoehr of Team Germany competes in the uneven bars during the Women's qualification on day two of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Indonesia Arena on October 20, 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder guards Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Paycom Center on October 21, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo: William Purnell/Getty Images). DM
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/13452827.jpg "US President Donald J. Trump holds a mock-up of the new White House Ballroom as he meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 22 October 2025. The leaders met to discuss continued support for Ukraine. EPA/AARON SCHWARTZ / POOL")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241289844.jpg "U.S. President Donald Trump holds a model of an arch as he delivers remarks during a ballroom fundraising dinner in the East Room of the White House on October 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump hosted organizations and individuals for a fundraising dinner for the new $250 million ballroom addition currently under construction at the White House. (Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241862623.jpg "A protestor wears a baby costume with a mask of U.S. President Donald Trump during the second \"No Kings\" protest on October 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. Organizers expect millions to participate in cities and towns across the nation for the second \"No Kings\" protest to denounce the Trump administration. (Photo: Nathan Howard/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241666752.jpg "Anti-I.C.E. protesters clash with federal agents at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on October 18, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. Organizers expect millions to participate in cities and towns across the nation for the second \"No Kings\" protest to denounce the Trump administration. (Photo: Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/13452153.jpg "The façade of Centre Pompidou’s modern and contemporary art collection is seen with a pyrotechnic mural made by the artist Cai Guo‑Qiang during Le Dernier Carnaval show, in Paris, France, 22 October 2025. The show is part of a farewell event honouring the Centre Pompidou before its closure for a five-year renovation period. EPA/Mohammed Badra")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241971037.jpg "French Police officers seal off the entrance to the Louvre Museum after a Jewllery Heist on October 19, 2025 in Paris, France. France's Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, announced the closure of the world-famous art museum on X due to the robbery taking place just after the Louvre opened to the public. It is being reported that millions of pound with of historic jewellery belonging to Napoleon and Empress Josephine has been stolen. (Photo: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2242143695.jpg "A vehicle is seen after ramming a security barricade at the White House complex on October 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Secret Service reported that one individual was arrested and that the vehicle is now deemed safe. (Photo: Andrew Leyden/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241800916.jpg "The wreckage of an AirACT cargo aircraft operated for Emirates Airline near the runway at Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, China, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. The aircraft skidded into the sea after hitting a ground crew vehicle when landing at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday, killing two people. (Photo: Leung Man Hei/Bloomberg via Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ED_583292.jpg "A 21 year old shooting survivor speaks to media at Sophiatown Police Station on October 22, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This comes after two teenagers were shot dead and five others were injured in a suspected gang-violence shooting. (Photo: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ED_583149.jpg "City of Joburg employees during Region E High-Impact Service Delivery Operation in Wynberg on October 21, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The operation focused on enforcing municipal by-laws and removing illegal structures as part of the city's broader service delivery programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ED_583174.jpg "Street vendors being removed by JMPD during Region E High-Impact Service Delivery Operation in Wynberg on October 21, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The operation focused on enforcing municipal by-laws and removing illegal structures as part of the city's broader service delivery programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ED_583017.jpg "A Hindu Temple during Diwali celebrations on October 20, 2025 in Lenasia, South Africa. The Hindu festival of lights symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. (Photo: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241905310.jpg "Devotees practice rituals as they attend Diwali celebrations at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as Neasden Temple, on October 20, 2025 in London, England. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated each autumn. (Photo: Jack Taylor/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241160518.jpg "Sculpture 'Begrudgement', by Ruth Abernethy is seen as part of the annual Sculpture By The Sea on October 15, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Sculpture by the Sea returns to Sydney's Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk from October 17 to November 3, 2025, showcasing 100 sculptures by artists from around the world in Australia's largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition. (Photo: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2242017493.jpg "Kyle Ryde of Great Britain and Nitrous Competitions Racing #1 celebrates winning the championship after the final race on day three of the 2025 British Superbike Championship Finale at Brands Hatch on October 19, 2025 in Longfield, England. (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241914174.jpg "José Antonio Rueda of Spain and rider of the #99 Red Bull KTM Ajo and Joel Kelso of Australia and rider of the #66 LEVELUP ‑ MTA celebrate 1st and 2nd place with a 'Shoey' on the podium after the Moto3 race during the MotoGP of Australia at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 19, 2025 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241258077.jpg "Tobizaru throws salt before his match against Shonannoumi during day one of The Grand Sumo Tournament at Royal Albert Hall on October 15, 2025 in London, England. This is the first time since the 1991 event at the Royal Albert Hall that an official Five Day Basho tournament will take place outside of Japan. The tournament will host the most accomplished and elite sumos, including those who have reached the top rank of Yokozuna, and showcase Japan's rich cultural history and traditions. (Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2241469272.jpg "Carlos Alcaraz of Spain serves against Taylor Fritz of the United States in their semifinal match during day two of the Six Kings Slam 2025 at ANB Arena on October 16, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2242075410.jpg "Greenwich Crew 'B' boat competes in the Women's Youth Eights division of the Head of the Charles Regatta 2025 on the Charles River on October 19, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2242191653.jpg "A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Silja Stoehr of Team Germany competes in the uneven bars during the Women's qualification on day two of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Indonesia Arena on October 20, 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)")
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GettyImages-2242113668.jpg "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder guards Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Paycom Center on October 21, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo: William Purnell/Getty Images). DM")
Workers demolish the facade of the East Wing of the White House on October 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to build a ballroom reportedly costing $250 million on the eastern side of the White House. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)