People familiar with pardon discussions told NBC News that top White House officials became concerned about attempts from outsiders to profit from the clemency process.

The White House East Wing has been demolished as President Donald Trump moves ahead with plans to build a ballroom that, according to renderings, will be nearly twice the size of the White House itself.

The White House said on Friday it had learned there likely will not be a release of inflation data next month due to the U.S. government shutdown, which could leave a gap in a data series stretching back more than a century.

While the administration has released a list of some donors for the ballroom addition, an aide told NBC News that "donors also have the option to remain anonymous."

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Senate Republicans are headed to the White House — not for urgent talks on how to end it, but for a display of unity with President Donald Trump as they refuse to negotiate on any Democratic demands.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order at the White House.