Trump Greenlights Grand White House Ballroom Project
Envisioned as opulent tribute, construction begins September
Donald Trump is set to realize a long-held ambition: constructing a lavish new ballroom at the White House. The project, initially proposed in 2010, was reportedly rejected by the Obama administration but is now moving forward in Trump’s second term.
A Vision for Grandeur
Construction is slated to commence in September on the east wing of the historic residence. The expansive new room, designed to mirror the grandeur of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, will boast a capacity for over 650 guests. This significantly surpasses the White House’s current largest reception area, which accommodates only about 200.
The need for larger venues has often forced event planners to utilize tents in the gardens for major state functions. This new ballroom aims to resolve that persistent logistical challenge.
Transforming the Executive Mansion
The ballroom represents the latest in a series of aesthetic changes Trump has made to personalize the White House. Previous alterations include gold accents in the Oval Office and the installation of large American flags in the gardens. A controversial move involved replacing the historic Rose Garden’s floral displays with a more minimalist, cobbled courtyard.
The new hall will occupy the space traditionally used by the First Lady and her staff. These officials will be relocated to alternative facilities during the construction phase, which the White House anticipates will conclude before the end of the current presidential term.
“I always said I was going to do something about the ballroom, because there should be one. It’s going to be a great legacy project, and I think it will be special.”
—Donald Trump, President
The project’s estimated cost of $200 million will reportedly be funded by private donations, according to administration spokesmen. This funding approach has drawn criticism from some Democratic lawmakers concerned about potential conflicts of interest.
“President Trump is a builder at heart and pays extraordinary attention to detail. President Trump and the White House are fully committed to collaborating with appropriate organizations to preserve the special history of the White House in building a beautiful ballroom that other future administrations and generations of Americans can enjoy.”
—Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff
Sketches released by the White House depict a Louis XIV-inspired interior, featuring marble floors, neoclassical columns, and gilded accents, reminiscent of décor at Mar-a-Lago.
Representative Mark Pocan voiced concerns regarding the project’s financing, stating, “This is a large project, and it should clearly go through the Appropriations Committee… It looks like he is trying to do it with private donations, but that would be a bit strange… Is it going to be a ballroom sponsored by such and such a brand?”
The announcement arrives shortly after Trump‘s visit to Federal Reserve headquarters, where he critiqued the cost of ongoing renovations there, which reportedly exceeded their initial budget by over 30 percent.