UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced a significant expansion to the new White House ballroom, which is now set to accommodate 900 people—a 40 percent increase from the original plan of 650. Construction has officially commenced on this $200 million project, marking a historic alteration to America’s most iconic residence.
The ballroom’s expansion is the most substantial modification to the White House exterior since the East Wing was expanded under Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942. This new venue will fundamentally change how the White House hosts large diplomatic events and state functions, eliminating the need for temporary tents that Trump has criticized as undignified for hosting foreign leaders and dignitaries.
In a telephone interview with NBC News earlier today, Trump stated, “You see all the trucks? They just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House, which is something they’ve been trying to get for about 150 years.”
The 90,000-square-foot ballroom will be built at the East Wing location, which has traditionally served as office space for the First Lady and her staff. During construction, these offices will be temporarily relocated as part of the larger modernization and renovation project. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt assured the public that “nothing will be torn down” during this process.
Trump’s decision to increase the ballroom’s capacity addresses his long-standing complaint about the White House’s limited event space. The current largest room, the East Room, can only host about 200 people. He emphasized that the new ballroom will be “near [the mansion] but not touching it,” and will respect the existing building’s historical significance.
The President has taken a personal interest in this ambitious project, partnering with McCrery Architects as the lead designer, and Clark Construction for building, with AECOM handling engineering. Trump declared, “We’re making it a little bigger. It will be top of the line, as good as it can get anywhere in the world.”
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles praised Trump’s vision, stating, “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail. 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 creating a beautiful ballroom for future generations.”
As the construction progresses, the project is expected to take four years to complete, with a target finish in early 2029. This development is set to reshape how the White House hosts pivotal events, potentially enhancing its stature on the global stage.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The implications of this monumental construction project will resonate for years to come, making it a topic of significant interest for both supporters and critics alike.
