Trump unveils ambitious $200 Million White House Ballroom Project
Nearly a decade after first proposing the idea during his 2016 presidential campaign, US President Donald Trump is poised to realize a personal and presidential ambition: the construction of a grand ballroom on the White House grounds. The estimated cost is around $200 million. The 90,000-square-foot ballroom, part of a larger renovation of the East Wing, will be funded by President Donald Trump and other ‘unnamed donors’. The Trump administration announced plans to break ground this September in a statement released by the White House.
The new ballroom, seating around 650 guests, aims to serve as a permanent venue for large-scale official functions. Most formal events are currently held in the East Room, accommodating approximately 200 people. For larger events, temporary tents are usually erected on the South Lawn — a measure the administration has deemed both impractical and visually unappealing. The ballroom will be built next to a renovated East Wing, which contains offices, including those of First Lady Melania Trump. These offices will be moved temporarily during construction.
During his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump first suggested the construction of a White House ballroom and allegedly offered $100 million to finance it under the Obama administration, a proposal that was turned down. Trump has reiterated his interest in the project, calling the use of tents for state events a “disaster.” “President Trump is a builder at heart,” stated White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. “He has an extraordinary eye for detail, and he is determined to leave a lasting legacy for future administrations and generations of Americans.”
Design renderings from the White House depict a neoclassical structure featuring ornate interiors, chandeliers, and columns, aimed at complementing the architectural character of the main residence. McCrery Architects will spearhead the design, with Clark Construction serving as the contractor and AECOM offering engineering support.
“Presidents since Harry Truman have grappled with the limitations of the White House in terms of event hosting,” said Jim McCrery, CEO of the firm. “It is a great honour to work on a structure that respects the building’s historic character while providing a space truly worthy of major occasions.” Officials indicate that the project is anticipated to be finished “well before” the conclusion of Trump’s current term in January 2029.
The renovation signifies the most recent alterations at the White House during Trump’s tenure, featuring the installation of large flagpoles, updated interior decor, and a reconfiguration of the Rose Garden. Advocates for historic preservation have urged that the project honor the legacy and architecture of the White House. “I hope and trust that any proposed changes will honour and preserve the existing walls that have witnessed so much history,” said Leslie Greene Bowman of the Committee for the Preservation of the White House in an interview.
