In a significant expansion of the historic White House grounds, President Donald Trump has greenlit the construction of a new $200 million ballroom — a long-envisioned addition that will transform the way formal events are hosted at the presidential residence.
The project, expected to begin this September, will be funded entirely through private donations from Trump himself and unnamed benefactors.
The new ballroom will be located adjacent to a modernized East Wing, which currently serves as the office space for First Lady Melania Trump and other key White House staff.
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According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the new structure will span approximately 90,000 square feet (8,360 square meters) and accommodate around 650 guests — more than triple the seating capacity of the current East Room, which hosts most formal events today.
Described by Leavitt as a “much-needed and exquisite addition,” the ballroom aims to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of the White House grounds. It is designed to eliminate the use of temporary, and often criticized, large tents for state dinners and major ceremonial events involving foreign dignitaries and guests.
President Trump has expressed his desire for a White House ballroom for years, first offering to personally fund a $100 million version of the project during the Obama administration — a proposal that was ultimately declined at the time. His renewed commitment, now with the backing of additional donors, marks a decisive step forward.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles emphasized that the new addition will respect and preserve the historical integrity of the White House.
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“The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserve the special history of the White House, while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future administrations and generations of Americans to come,” she said in a statement.
Construction is expected to be completed well before the end of President Trump’s current term in January 2029. The announcement has sparked a mix of praise and debate, with supporters celebrating the private funding and architectural vision, while critics raise questions about priorities and timing.
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