Open the image in Adobe Photoshop
Unlock the background layer if needed
Select the white background with the Magic Wand Tool or Quick Selection Tool
Adjust tolerance or selection settings if needed
Press Delete or add a layer mask to remove the white background
Refine the edges with Select and Mask if necessary
Export the file as PNG to keep transparency
In Adobe Illustrator, select the white object and delete it
If the white area is part of a placed image, edit the original image in Photoshop
Save the final file in a format that supports transparency if needed