Construction to begin in September with private funding from President and donors
President Donald Trump has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a lavish $200 million ballroom at the White House, marking the first major structural addition to the executive mansion since the Truman Balcony was built in 1948.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday that construction will begin in September, with the massive 90,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate up to 650 guests – more than triple the current capacity of the East Room, which holds only 200 people.
"The White House State Ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition," Leavitt said during the press briefing, displaying architectural renderings of the proposed venue. The ballroom will be constructed where the East Wing currently stands, temporarily displacing several offices including the First Lady's workspace.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the White House's inability to host large-scale events, particularly state dinners that currently require outdoor tents on the South Lawn. "When it rains or snows, it's a disaster," Trump told NBC News, describing the current setup as placing guests "a football field away from the White House."
The president emphasized that the ballroom has been a long-desired addition. "They've wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years, but there's never been a president that was good at ballrooms," Trump said. "I'm good at building things, and we're going to build quickly and on time."
In an unusual move for White House renovations, Trump announced that he and "other patriotic donors" will privately fund the entire project, calling it "his gift to the country." The White House has not disclosed specific contribution amounts from Trump or other donors.
McCrery Architects will handle the design, with Clark Construction leading the building process and AECOM managing engineering aspects. Trump assured that the new structure will "pay total respect to the existing building" and will be constructed as a separate facility that doesn't touch the main White House.
Unlike previous presidential redecorating efforts that can be easily reversed, this ballroom represents a permanent addition that will serve future administrations. Trump described it as "a great legacy project" that will benefit his successors.
The project aligns with Trump's background as a real estate developer and his penchant for grand architectural statements. Previous Trump-era changes to the White House, including modifications to the Rose Garden and interior gold accents, pale in comparison to this structural undertaking.
The ballroom is expected to be completed before Trump's term ends in early 2029, potentially becoming one of the most significant physical changes to the presidential residence in modern history. The facility will not only address current space limitations but also enhance the White House's capacity to host major diplomatic and ceremonial events befitting America's highest office.
Construction will proceed while the White House remains fully operational, with displaced offices temporarily relocated during the building process.
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