News Wrap: White House says entirety of East Wing undergoing renovation for ballroom

Geoff Bennett:

We start today's other headlines at the White House, where demolition of the East Wing is proving more extensive than previously thought.

A White House official confirms to the "News Hour" that the entirety of the East Wing is undergoing what it calls a modernization and renovation in order to support the overall ballroom project. Video today showed heavy machinery tearing into the East Wing's ceilings and walls.

Back in July, President Trump pledged that his $250 million ballroom project would not interfere with the current building. The proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom will be nearly double the size of the main White House itself.

The U.S. military carried out another strike on what it called a drug-smuggling vessel, this time in the Pacific Ocean, rather than the Caribbean. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted video of the operation on social media, writing that two — quote — "narco-terrorists" were killed.

It is the eighth such military strike since last month. The Trump administration has justified the attacks by saying the U.S. is in armed conflict with the drug cartels, but has provided no details on the targets. At least 34 people have been killed to date.

Vice President J.D. Vance was in Jerusalem today, trying to ease concerns that the U.S. is dictating terms to Israel on issues related to the Gaza cease-fire agreement. Those include disarming Hamas and creating an international security force inside Gaza. The vice president met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, with both men knocking back a reporter's question about whether Israel was becoming a protectorate of the U.S.

J.D. Vance, Vice President of the United States: Look, we don't want an Israel — we don't want a vassal state, and that's not what Israel is. We don't want a client state, and that's not what Israel is. We want a partnership. We want an ally here.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister:

So we make the decisions for the security of Israel, but we make common decisions for the region, which I think can serve us both.

Geoff Bennett:

Vance added that he wasn't in the region to, as he put it, monitor a toddler, but instead to help secure a lasting peace.

Meantime, the U.N.'s top court ruled today that Israel must work with international agencies in getting aid into Gaza.

Yuji Iwasawa, President of International Court of Justice: Israel's obligation not to use starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare.

Geoff Bennett:

The opinion by the International Court of Justice is not legally binding. Israel's Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the decision, saying it fully upholds its obligations under international law.

In France, the Louvre reopened for the first time today since a daring heist that saw thieves make off with items valued at some $100 million. Long lines formed beneath the museum's famous glass pyramid, with one visitor saying it felt like a normal day, though the Apollo Gallery, which had housed the stolen jewels, remained closed.

Meantime, the museum's director told the French Senate today that the theft highlighted the museum's weaknesses, including a shortage of security cameras. She added that she had offered to resign, but was refused.

Laurence Des Cars, Director, Louvre Museum (through interpreter):

Through its violence, this theft hurts our institutions and its most profound mission. Believe that, for me, it is not about being evasive or adopting a position of denial. Despite our efforts, despite our daily determined work, they made us fail.

Geoff Bennett:

Also today, a spokesperson for French President Emmanuel Macron called for an acceleration of increased security measures for the museum. For now, though, investigators have not recovered any of the lost jewels, and those responsible remain at large.

And Wall Street lost some momentum today following recent gains. The Dow Jones industrial average fell more than 300 points on the day. The Nasdaq dropped more than 200 points. The S&P 500 also ended in negative territory.

Still to come on the "News Hour": American ranchers who voted for the president raise alarm about his plan to cut record beef prices; Judy Woodruff explores the idea of constructive political debate in a world geared toward viral videos; and author Nicholas Sparks discusses his new supernatural love story co-written with film director M. Night Shyamalan.