August 2, 2025 – The White House has unveiled plans for a $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom to be built adjacent to the East Wing, fulfilling a long-standing ambition of President Donald Trump to enhance the executive mansion’s capacity for large-scale events. Construction is set to begin in September 2025 and is expected to be completed well before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029, marking the most significant structural change to the White House since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948.
A Grand Vision for the White House
The new White House State Ballroom, designed to seat 650 people—more than triple the capacity of the current largest room, the East Room (200 seats)—aims to eliminate the need for large tents on the South Lawn for state dinners and other major functions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the project as a “much-needed and exquisite addition,” noting that the current setup, which often involves “unsightly” tents 100 yards from the main entrance, is inadequate for hosting world leaders. Renderings depict a lavish interior with gold chandeliers, Corinthian columns, a coffered ceiling with gold inlays, and a checkered marble floor, mirroring the opulent style of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
The ballroom will be constructed where the East Wing currently stands, which houses offices including those of First Lady Melania Trump. These offices will be temporarily relocated during a “modernization” of the wing, though Leavitt clarified that the new structure will be substantially separated from the main White House building while maintaining its neoclassical architectural heritage. The project is led by McCrery Architects, with Clark Construction overseeing building and AECOM handling engineering.
Funding and Controversy
President Trump, alongside other private donors, will fully fund the $200 million project, ensuring no taxpayer dollars are used, according to the White House. Trump, a former real estate developer, has long championed the idea, having offered to build a $100 million ballroom during the Obama administration in 2010 and again under Biden, both of which were declined. “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years, but there’s never been a president that was good at ballrooms,” Trump said at a July 31 press briefing, emphasizing his expertise in construction.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters, including some on X, praise the project as a “gift to the nation” funded privately, with one user noting it as a “strategic private-sector partnership” free of taxpayer burden. Critics, however, question the necessity and timing of the project, especially amid economic challenges and federal funding cuts, such as the recent defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer raised concerns about the lack of congressional appropriation, asking, “Where’d this money come from?” Others on X called the project a “gaudy monstrosity” and criticized its opulence during a time of economic strain, with one user questioning which “ultra-rich” donors are involved. Ethics experts have also flagged potential conflicts of interest, noting the lack of transparency in the donor list and the absence of a competitive bidding process for contractors.
Trump’s Broader White House Makeover
The ballroom is part of Trump’s broader effort to leave his mark on the White House, often dubbed “the People’s House.” Since taking office in January 2025, he has overseen the paving of the Rose Garden with concrete, added gold flourishes to the Oval Office, and installed two 88-foot flagpoles on the North and South Lawns. Trump has also expressed plans to renovate the Lincoln Bedroom’s bathroom to reflect 19th-century style. These changes, particularly the Rose Garden’s transformation, have drawn criticism for altering historic elements of the White House grounds.
The ballroom project, described as a “great legacy project” by Trump, aligns with his vision to enhance the White House’s grandeur while addressing practical needs for hosting large events. “It’ll be near it but not touching it and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” Trump said, emphasizing preservation of the White House’s historic integrity.
Looking Ahead
Construction updates will be posted on the White House’s “visit” page, and the project is expected to be closely monitored by the National Park Service, Secret Service, and White House Military Office to ensure security and historical preservation. While the ballroom promises to elevate the White House’s capacity for state functions, its scale and opulent design have sparked debate about priorities in a time of economic and social challenges.
For more details, visit www.whitehouse.gov or follow updates on X.