The White House has revealed plans to construct a lavish $200 million ballroom, fulfilling a long-held desire of President Donald Trump. The new venue will accompany a revamped East Wing, currently hosting First Lady Melania Trump and critical staff. The funding will primarily come from Trump and unnamed donors, with construction set to kick off in September, as per Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's announcement.
Trump's vision involves creating a space for larger gatherings, which are currently cramped in the existing East Room, which accommodates approximately 200 guests. Leavitt reassured that the new ballroom would aestheticize the area and eliminate the need for "unsightly tents" used for major events, including engagements with world leaders.
The ballroom will be designed to align architecturally with the current White House, boasting chandeliers and ornamental columns. The plan is to honor the rich history of the residence while accommodating the needs of the presidential office, an initiative backed by Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Leslie Greene Bowman, a member of the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, noted how renovations must respect historical integrity while updating living spaces to meet modern demands. Meanwhile, offices in the East Wing, including that of Melania Trump, will need to be relocated temporarily during construction.
Trump has long advocated for a new ballroom; he offered to contribute $100 million during Obama’s presidency, a donation that was declined. As he noted, “They've always had to get tents,” calling their use a “disaster” and asserting that he has a knack for building—“there's never been a President that's good at ballrooms.”
In recent discussions with world leaders, Trump highlighted the significance of the project, reinforcing his commitment to creating an exceptional space for future official events.
