The White House will begin construction this September on a $200 million ballroom, a project championed by President Donald Trump, who has committed to funding it through personal wealth and private donations.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the upcoming 90,000 square-foot structure as a “much-needed and exquisite addition” to the estate, designed to host large events with elegance and scale.
Set to hold up to 650 guests, significantly more than the East Room’s capacity, the new ballroom is expected to be completed before the end of Trump’s term in 2029. Trump has often criticised the lack of a proper grand ballroom at the White House, calling it a gap in the presidential residence’s ability to entertain at scale.
Why does Trump want a new ballroom in the White House?
The White House has shared renderings of the new $200 million ballroom, showing a design that matches the building’s classic architecture. Inside, it will feature chandeliers, ornate columns, and a luxurious finish. Leslie Greene Bowman, a long-time member of the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, told the BBC that the White House has a history of expanding to meet the president’s needs. She said she hopes the new construction will respect the building’s historic walls, which she called “precious vessels of our legacy as a democracy”.
During construction, some East Wing offices, including First Lady Melania Trump’s, will be temporarily moved. Speaking at an event, President Trump said, “There’s never been a president good at ballrooms. I’m good at building things.” He criticised past White House events for having to rely on tents, which he called a “disaster” and “not a pretty sight. Earlier this week in Scotland, Trump told European Council President Ursula von der Leyen that the US was building a “great ballroom” at the White House. While sitting in a ballroom at his Turnberry golf resort, he added, “I could take this one, drop it right down there, and it would be beautiful.”
Trump has long wanted a ballroom at the White House. Back in 2016, during Barack Obama’s presidency, he offered to donate $100 million to build one. But at the time, Obama’s press secretary said it wasn’t something the administration seriously considered.
‘It’s to burn those Epstein files’
Netizens quickly reacted to this announcement. A user said, “They need the construction to bury the files underneath the White House.” Another added, “Feels pretty much like how every indentured guest to Epstein’s island felt, in few words feels like we’re getting screwed.” “Sorry no money for healthcare but unlimited money for renovations and new buildings!,” claimed a user.
“But no money for FEMA, no money to feed school kids, no Medicare/Medicaid, no funding for schools, can’t release the epstein files and Financials, can’t fund cancer research, can’t fund emergency weather services.Oh but don’t worry, republicans also just voted to let trump keep his Qatar gift plane after he leaves office. Even though they are spending $1 BILLION in tax payer money to retrofit the plane,” stated another user.