White House Begins Construction of 90,000-Square-Foot Ballroom, Prompting Scrutiny Over Funding and Scale
WASHINGTON – Construction is underway at the White House for a new ballroom envisioned by former President Donald Trump, a project estimated to cost around $200 million and encompass approximately 90,000 square feet. The project involves site preparation,including tree removal on the South lawn,and is slated for completion before january 2029.
the planned ballroom, which will be the largest structural change to the Executive Mansion since the 1948 addition of the Truman Balcony, has drawn attention for its scale and funding source. Trump has stated the project will be “privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly,” with no cost to American taxpayers. However, the White House has yet to disclose details on contributors.
Originally announced in July, the ballroom’s capacity has increased from an initial 650 seated guests to 999. Trump has justified the project by claiming existing spaces, such as the East Room with its approximately 200-person capacity, are inadequate for hosting world leaders and dignitaries. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the prospect of using pavilions on the South Lawn for such events.
“Nothing will be torn down,” White House Historical Association Director Annie Leavitt stated when the project was announced.
Carrier Global corp. has offered to donate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for the ballroom, a contribution the company confirmed to the Associated Press on Monday. A cost estimate for the HVAC system was not promptly available.
The White House has indicated it will eventually release details regarding all financial contributions to the project.
