The White House is set to commence the construction of a new $200 million ballroom, aiming to complete it before Donald Trump’s term concludes in early 2029. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the ballroom will encompass 90,000 square feet and accommodate up to 650 guests. This project represents the latest transformation to the executive mansion, known affectionately as “the People’s House,” since Trump reentered office in January. It will mark the first structural modification to the mansion since the addition of the Truman Balcony in 1948.
Citing the current limitations of hosting large-scale events within the White House, due to the constrained 200-person capacity of the East Room, Trump noted the frequent reliance on South Lawn tents to accommodate guests. He emphasized the inconvenience those arrangements present during inclement weather, located “a football field away from the White House.”
The President voiced strong support for the new ballroom, claiming it’s a project long desired. Funding will be provided by Trump and “patriot donors,” as stated on the White House website, leading Trump to refer to the ballroom as “his gift to the country.”
McCrery Architects will lead the design phase, with Clark Construction serving as the construction lead and AECOM handling the engineering aspects. This new ballroom will be built separate from the main White House structure, replacing the current East Wing and aligning with Trump’s reputed affinity for real estate development. Unlike previous alterations, such as the Gold Filigree installations and Rose Garden modifications, a new ballroom would provide a lasting legacy beyond Trump’s presidency.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/31/trump-white-house-ballroom
