The Trump administration has revealed plans to begin construction this September on a massive new ballroom at the White House, an ambitious project expected to cost $200 million and nearly double the size of the current presidential complex.
Project Overview
The upcoming White House State Ballroom will span roughly 90,000 square feet, far exceeding the current White House footprint of 55,000 square feet. The ballroom, designed to seat 650 guests, will be built in place of the current East Wing and connected to the White House via an enclosed walkway.
Plans feature an opulent structure with classic architectural elements, including coffered ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and towering arched windows. According to the Trump administration, the design will complement the historic White House, preserving its architectural identity while providing a much-needed event space.
Construction is slated to wrap up before the end of former President Donald Trump’s current term, the White House said. Trump and his network of donors intend to fully fund the project with private contributions.
Longstanding Goal
Trump has floated the idea of building a White House ballroom for over a decade. During a campaign stop in 2016, he said he previously offered to fund such a ballroom during President Obama’s tenure, but his proposal was ignored. More recently, in May, he told NBC News he was moving forward with a “world-class” ballroom that had “been needed for a hundred years.”
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In a June post on Truth Social, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the project, emphasizing his experience in high-end construction. He said the addition would be a fitting legacy, built “quickly” and in keeping with the White House’s historical significance.
What Remains Unclear
The future of the current East Wing facilities is still uncertain. Originally built in 1942, the East Wing houses the first lady’s office, a theater, the visitor’s entrance, and the East Colonnade. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the first lady’s staff will be temporarily relocated during construction, but did not clarify whether their office will return or be integrated into the new structure. She also did not address how construction might affect public tours or the theater.
Why Build Now?
Trump has criticized the reliance on outdoor tents for state dinners and large White House events, calling them inadequate. Former Obama advisor David Axelrod recalled Trump expressing disdain for the use of tents, and in recent public remarks, Trump said it’s time to “outgrow the tent stuff.”
Can Presidents Make Major Changes to the White House?
Technically yes, though there are restrictions. While presidents are typically limited to aesthetic updates and receive a $100,000 redecorating budget, major structural changes are rare due to the building’s historic designation. The White House has been a protected national landmark since 1960 and falls under the oversight of the National Park Service.
However, since the ballroom will be funded privately, the Trump administration may be able to bypass certain federal regulations. While the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation must be allowed to comment, the administration ultimately has discretion in how it proceeds—particularly when no public funds are involved.
The project marks one of the most significant proposed White House expansions in modern history, and if completed, would leave a dramatic architectural and political legacy.
