White House Ballroom: Trump Announces Major New Construction on Historic Grounds
A New Era of Hospitality at the White House
In a historic move, former President Donald Trump has announced the construction of a brand-new White House ballroom, aiming to fulfill a long-standing need for a larger, more elegant event space within the White House complex. This development, set to begin in September 2025, marks the most significant structural addition to the White House in decades.
For over 150 years, U.S. presidents and staff have struggled with space limitations when hosting large state events. The existing East Room of the White House has a maximum seated capacity of around 200 people, often requiring the use of temporary outdoor tents for larger gatherings—solutions that are less than ideal, especially for events involving foreign dignitaries and high-level officials.
Ballroom Design and Construction Plans
BREAKING: We’re getting an expansion!
Beginning in September, construction will begin on a brand-new 90,000 square ft ballroom that will be enjoyed for generations to come. ✨
Visit https://t.co/fYztfJspLP for more information pic.twitter.com/SVvlaDpRmA
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 31, 2025
The planned White House ballroom will feature a seated capacity of 650, more than triple that of the current East Room. With approximately 90,000 square feet of classically designed and meticulously crafted space, the ballroom will reflect the architectural heritage of the White House while introducing modern capabilities for hosting large-scale functions.
The ballroom will be located at the current site of the East Wing, which was originally constructed in 1902 and expanded in 1942. The East Wing has undergone many renovations over the years, but this will be its most dramatic transformation. The wing will be modernized and rebuilt to incorporate the new ballroom, blending seamlessly with the historic style of the main residence.
Key Players and Funding
The Trump administration just announced they will be building a massive $200 million gold-plated ballroom at the White House after signing a law cutting 17 million Americans’ health care. pic.twitter.com/0PJ8QP15Jf
— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) July 31, 2025
President Trump has selected McCreary Architects, known for their expertise in classical architecture, to lead the design. Construction will be handled by Clark Construction, while AECOM will oversee engineering. All firms are well-respected and have a history of handling large-scale, high-security government projects.
Notably, the entire $200 million cost of the White House ballroom will be privately funded through donations, including generous contributions from President Trump himself. This means no taxpayer dollars will be used for the project—a key point emphasized during the announcement.
The United States Secret Service will be closely involved in implementing security enhancements and ensuring that the new structure meets the strict protective requirements of the White House grounds.
Temporary Relocations During Construction
During the modernization and construction of the new White House ballroom, several critical offices currently housed in the East Wing will be temporarily relocated. These include:
The Office of the First Lady
The White House Military Office
The White House Visitors Office
These departments will continue operations from alternate locations until the project is complete, which is expected to be well before the end of President Trump’s term, should he return to office.
Why a Ballroom Now?
Trump is spending $200 million of our tax dollars on a “golden ballroom” in the White House, but we “can’t afford” pediatric cancer research. pic.twitter.com/ExNOu7S9Ob
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) July 31, 2025
The decision to add a ballroom to the White House has been discussed across multiple administrations but has never materialized. President Trump emphasized that this addition is not just for current use but to benefit future presidents, administrations, and the American people. The ballroom is intended to enhance the prestige and capability of the Executive Mansion, enabling it to host state functions, official ceremonies, and diplomatic events without relying on external or makeshift venues.
A Lasting Legacy
The new White House ballroom will likely become a permanent feature of American presidential tradition. Once completed, it will serve as a symbol of both continuity and modernization, respecting the rich history of the White House while expanding its functionality for generations to come.
Whether used for state dinners, award ceremonies, or international diplomacy, the White House ballroom represents a major leap forward in the evolution of the Executive Mansion.
