White House Set for Massive Ballroom Expansion
$200 Million Project Promises Grand Event Space
A significant expansion is slated for the White House, with construction commencing in September on a new $200 million ballroom. The projected addition will nearly double the size of the existing structure, creating a grand event space capable of accommodating 650 guests.
Grand Vision for State Affairs
The ambitious White House State Ballroom will span approximately 90,000 square feet, dwarfing the current White House footprint. Renderings depict a substantial building to be erected in place of the East Wing, which currently houses the First Lady’s offices and staff. This new structure will be connected to the main White House via an enclosed walkway.
Funding and Timeline
The Trump administration has stated that funding for the project will be secured through private donations from the President and his supporters. The White House anticipates the ballroom’s completion well before the conclusion of President Trump’s term.
The administration described the ballroom as a “much-needed and exquisite addition,” with preliminary designs showcasing a lavish, gilded interior featuring coffered ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and expansive floor-to-ceiling arched windows. While separate from the main White House structure, the design aims for a nearly identical thematic and architectural continuity.
A Long-Held Ambition
President Trump has voiced his desire to build a White House ballroom for over a decade. During his 2016 presidential campaign, he reportedly offered to fund a $100 million ballroom during the Obama administration, an offer that did not materialize. More recently, in February, he expressed his intention to move forward with the project, comparing it to the ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
During an interview in February, Trump had said he’d be pursuing the construction of a White House ballroom himself: “I’m going to build a world-class beautiful ballroom… they’ve wanted for probably a hundred years at the White House.”
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 1, 2025
In June, Trump posted on Truth Social, confirming his personal funding for the construction and highlighting his unique experience in completing such undertakings. He remarked, “But I do, like maybe nobody else, and it will go up quickly, and be a wonderful addition, very much in keeping with the magnificent White House itself.”
Uncertainty Surrounds East Wing’s Future
Details remain scarce regarding the fate of the current East Wing, an addition from 1942. This area houses the First Lady’s office, a presidential theater, the visitor entrance, and the East Colonnade, a key pathway for White House tours. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the First Lady’s offices would be relocated during construction, but it is unclear if these offices will find a permanent home within the new ballroom complex or if the theater and visitor entrance will be affected.
Tents No Longer Sufficient for Events
President Trump has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with hosting large White House events, such as state dinners, in temporary tents on the South Lawn. He has previously commented on the inadequacy of such arrangements. This sentiment aligns with past practices, as administrations under Barack Obama and Joe Biden also utilized tents for significant gatherings. For example, President Biden held four of his six state dinners outdoors in tents during his tenure.
Presidential Authority on White House Modifications
The extent to which a president can implement significant alterations to the White House is legally ambiguous. While presidents typically have discretion over cosmetic changes within the residential areas, with an annual budget for redecorating, a project of this magnitude represents an unprecedented undertaking. The White House, designated a historic site in 1960, is subject to extensive regulations, particularly concerning substantial modifications. The National Park Service notes that rules governing landmark properties often apply when federal funds are involved. As the administration plans to secure private funding, the application of these regulations may be affected.
