White House Plans $200M Ballroom to Modernize East Wing

The White House has unveiled a plan to construct a $200 million ballroom to accommodate larger events, fulfilling President Trump's vision for the historic residence. Set to begin construction in September, this ballroom aims to modernize the East Wing while preserving the White House's heritage.

The White House has announced an ambitious plan to create a lavish $200 million ballroom, fulfilling a long-desired vision of President Donald Trump. This project, touted as a "modernized" East Wing upgrade, is set to commence construction in September and is expected to be completed well before Trump’s term ends in January 2029, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The planned ballroom will span approximately 90,000 square feet and accommodate up to 650 guests, providing a significant upgrade from the current East Room, which can only host around 200 people. This new space will eliminate the reliance on temporary tents set up on the South Lawn for large functions, which the President has described as unsightly and inadequate.

In a briefing, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles emphasized that this initiative would not only modernize the White House but also pay homage to its rich history. Architectural renderings reveal a design that integrates elegantly with the existing structure, showcasing lavish interiors reminiscent of the White House’s grandeur.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has reiterated his intention to create a ballroom. In 2016, he initially proposed financing its construction with a personal contribution of $100 million, a suggestion that was dismissed by the Obama administration at the time.

Leslie Greene Bowman, who has served under four previous presidents on the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, expressed hope that the renovations would respect the history contained within the existing walls. As operations in the East Wing will be temporarily adjusted to accommodate these changes, the renovation is positioned as part of a broader effort to enhance the White House's functionality for state occasions.

President Trump has made bold remarks during the announcement, asserting his capability in construction and stating that "no president knew how to build a ballroom." The decision to move forward with the ballroom aligns with past renovations under his administration, which have included new decorations in the Oval Office and updates to the iconic Rose Garden.

As the groundwork begins for this exciting new chapter in the White House’s history, many will be watching to see how these changes unfold and what they mean for future administrations and generations of Americans.