On Thursday, the White House shared some exciting news: a new ballroom, with a price tag of $200 million, is set to break ground in September! It’s expected to be ready for action well before President Donald Trump wraps up his presidency in early 2029.
This is just the latest transformation to what’s affectionately known as “The People’s House”, following Trump’s return to office at the start of the year. Notably, this will be the first major renovation of the Executive Mansion since the Truman balcony was added back in 1948.
Since his return, Trump has been jazzing up the Oval Office, adding luxurious golden accents, cherubs, and several presidential portraits. Plus, he’s put up large flagpoles on both the north and south lawns to showcase the American flag. Currently, there’s an ongoing project to replace the lawn in the Rose Garden with stone finishes.
For a while now, Trump has been vocal about his desire for a ballroom, arguing that the White House lacks a suitably sized venue for hosting bigger events. He’s taken a jab at past administrations for accommodating state dinners in tents on the grounds.
The existing largest room, the East Room, can host around 200 guests, but Trump feels that’s far too limiting.
He noted, “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years, but no president has seemed to bring it to life. I’m all about construction and I promise we’ll get it done swiftly and beautifully.”
The artistically structured ballroom plans are made to respect the classic architecture of the White House. Trump mentioned, “It’ll be near the mansion but not touching it, honoring the original design that I greatly admire. It’s truly my favorite place.”
Trump is passionate about this project, as he believes it will leave a great legacy for future administrations, claiming, “It’s going to be really beautiful.”
The new ballroom will span 90,000 square feet and will be located where the East Wing exists, with enough space to comfortably seat 650 people. During the construction, several offices, including that of the First Lady, will be temporarily moved, and the East Wing will see modern upgrades and restorations, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt reassured that “Nothing will be demolished” during the renovations.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles highlighted Trump’s background in construction and his commitment to preserving the mansion’s historic significance, saying, “President Trump is a natural builder who has an incredible eye for detail.”
During a briefing, Leavitt mentioned that Trump and some unnamed donors have already pledged the approximately $200 million needed for this new ballroom.
Curious minds can check out the proposed designs of what the new ballroom will be like on the White House website.
Leading the architectural team on this ambitious project is McCrery Architects from Washington, while Clark Construction will manage the build, and engineering will be carried out by AECOM.
Additionally, Trump has plans for another renovation — he revealed to NBC News his aim to replace the current bathroom in the iconic Lincoln Bedroom, which he described as “terribly” done, with one that would reflect 19th-century styles.
