President Donald Trump slammed a Reuters reporter as “third rate” on Wednesday after being pressed about his decision to demolish the White House East Wing to make way for a $300 million ballroom.

Journalist Jeff Mason drew the president’s wrath when he asked during a televised exchange at the White House whether Trump had misled the public about the extent of the demolition.

“I haven’t been transparent? Really?” Trump replied, raising his voice as cameras rolled.

President Donald Trump lashed out at a Reuters correspondent on Wednesday after being pressed about his decision to demolish the White House East Wing. ZUMAPRESS.com

“I’ve shown this to everybody that would listen. Third-rate reporters didn’t see it because they didn’t look. You’re a third-rate reporter, always have been.”

The exchange was reported by the news site Mediaite.

As Mason tried to interject, Trump continued: “Third-rate reporters didn’t look, but anybody that asked — these pictures have been in newspapers, they’ve been all over the place, and you know, we’re very proud of it. It’s gotten great reviews.”

Trump held up mockups of the planned ballroom, which features gold chandeliers and Mar-a-Lago–style decor.

During a televised exchange at the White House, Trump called reporter Jeff Mason a “third-rate reporter.” NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

“I think we’ve been more transparent than anybody’s ever been,” he said.

The outburst came after Mason followed up on reports that the president had reversed earlier assurances that the East Wing — built in 1902 and last renovated in 1942 — would not be torn down.

Following the dressing-down, White House posted a video on X from 2020 in which “Third-Rate Loser” Mason wore a COVID mask during an outdoors news conference.

Trump initially said the new ballroom addition would be “near” the East Wing “but not touching it,” adding that the structure would “pay total respect to the existing building.”

He told reporters Wednesday that “after a tremendous amount of study with some of the best architects in the world,” the team concluded that “really knocking it down” was the only way to complete the ballroom project properly.

Demolition crews began tearing into the East Wing on Tuesday. By Wednesday, much of the facade had been stripped away, prompting outcry from preservationists and some former officials.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted on X, “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.”

Demolition crews began tearing into the East Wing on Tuesday. By Wednesday, much of the facade had been stripped away. Getty Images

Social media users were quick to remind the former first lady of her husband’s sex scandal during his time in power, with one writing: “Your husband had sex in the Oval Office. Prolly should sit this one out.”

The National Trust for Historic Preservation urged the White House to halt demolition until the project undergoes a full public review.

In a letter to the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, the group said the 90,000-square-foot ballroom “will overwhelm the White House itself,” which totals about 55,000 square feet.

Carol Quillen, the trust’s president and CEO, said the expansion “may also permanently disrupt the carefully balanced classical design of the White House with its two smaller, and lower, East and West Wings.”

Trump says the ballroom is being “paid for 100% by me and some friends of mine,” while “the government is paying absolutely nothing.”

Among the contributors are major corporations such as Apple and Amazon, according to the president.

Trump said Wednesday the cost would likely come to $300 million, up from previous estimates of $200 million.

The East Wing is being demolished to make way for a $250 million ballroom. Getty Images

The White House stated earlier this week that the project is aimed at modernizing and rebuilding the East Wing, which houses the first lady’s offices and serves as an entrance for official guests.

Trump dismissed criticism of his plans as partisan, telling reporters Tuesdsay that the “beautiful sound of construction” reminded him of money — “even if it’s money being spent.”

“That’s music to my ears,” the president said.

“People don’t like it. I love it. When I hear that sound, it reminds me of money. In this case, a lack of money, because I’m paying for it.”

The Post has sought comment from Reuters.