Trump Initiates $200 Million White House Ballroom Project

Plans for a new ballroom at the White House, a project costing approximately $200 million, have been confirmed by the administration of President Donald Trump. The initiative, which has been a personal ambition of Trump for years, will commence construction in September 2023 and will be entirely funded through private donations, with no taxpayer money involved.

The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, characterized the ballroom as “a much needed and exquisite addition” to the historic executive mansion. The new facility is expected to span about 90,000 square feet and will accommodate approximately 650 guests. It will be situated next to a renovated East Wing, which currently houses the offices of First Lady Melania Trump and her staff.

Leavitt highlighted the necessity of the ballroom, stating, “This will eliminate the need for large and unsightly tents during state dinners and major events.” Currently, the East Room can only seat about 200 people, limiting the scope of events that can be held there.

Trump has frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the existing event space at the White House. During a press event on Thursday, he remarked, “There’s never been a president that’s good at ballrooms. I’m good at building things.” He criticized the temporary tents often used for significant occasions, calling them “a disaster” and “not a pretty sight.”

The idea for a grand ballroom traces back to 2016 when Trump proposed a $100 million donation for its construction during the Obama administration. At that time, the proposal was rejected, with then-White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest deeming it inappropriate. “I’m not sure that it would be appropriate to have a shiny gold Trump sign on any part of the White House,” Earnest stated.

Architectural renderings of the new ballroom promise a design consistent with the historic style of the White House, featuring chandeliers, ornate columns, and marble finishes. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles emphasized the administration’s commitment to preserving the White House’s legacy while enhancing its appeal for future presidents.

Construction is anticipated to finish “long before” the end of Trump’s current term in January 2029. Earlier this week, while in Scotland, Trump even joked with European Council President Ursula von der Leyen about the project, suggesting, “I could take this one,” referring to the ballroom at his Turnberry golf resort, “drop it right down there, and it would be beautiful.”

While White House officials have not disclosed the names of the private contributors, they reiterated that the project will not utilize public funds. Preservation expert Leslie Greene Bowman, who has advised multiple U.S. presidents, remarked, “The White House has a history of expansion to accommodate the changing needs of the nation’s chief executive. I hope and trust that any proposed changes will honor and preserve the existing walls that have witnessed so much history.”

As construction progresses, temporary offices in the East Wing, including those of the First Lady, will be relocated. The new ballroom is set to become a significant venue for hosting events at the White House, reflecting Trump’s vision for a more functional and aesthetically pleasing executive mansion.