The East Wing

Here’s a beautiful piece of writing by political commentator Rick Wilson the demolition of the East Wing of the White House.

Perhaps this is stupid question, but I need to ask it nonetheless: Does the president of the U.S. have the right to do something like this? I presume he doesn’t have a deed to the White House.  As such, can he sell it? Build a Pizza Hut on the property?

How is this situation different than my walking across the street to the park, where I commence cutting down trees because they block my view of the mountains in the distance?

I would expect to be in handcuffs within a few minutes.  Why?  It’s not my property.