President Donald Trump is moving forward with plans to construct a $200 million ballroom on White House grounds, marking one of the largest additions to the executive residence in decades. The project is set to begin in September and will be built adjacent to the East Wing.
According to the White House, the new structure will span approximately 90,000 square feet and accommodate up to 650 guests. The facility is intended to serve as a permanent venue for large-scale events, replacing temporary outdoor tents frequently used for state functions. The funding for the project will come entirely from private donations, including contributions from Trump himself.
The initiative continues Trump’s ongoing effort to reshape the White House’s aesthetic and infrastructure. Since returning to office, he has overseen alterations including decorative gold elements in the Oval Office and the transformation of the Rose Garden into a paved patio space.
This new expansion, officials said, will not alter the building’s historic architectural identity. The White House stated that the ballroom’s design will align closely with existing styles to preserve continuity with the mansion’s original character. The construction project will also involve a temporary relocation of offices in the East Wing, including those used by the First Lady.
The president has long voiced dissatisfaction with the White House’s capacity to host large formal gatherings. He previously proposed building a ballroom in 2010, offering to fund it during President Barack Obama’s administration, though the offer was declined at the time.
While presidents have traditionally used the East Room and State Dining Room for events, the scale of these venues often limits guest lists. Larger dinners typically require temporary outdoor setups, which Trump has criticized as impractical, especially in poor weather conditions.
The idea of a permanent ballroom echoes design elements from Trump’s private estate at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, which includes multiple formal reception spaces featuring elaborate decor. Sources familiar with the planning process said Trump consulted with White House staff, the National Park Service, the Military Office, and the Secret Service to finalize design and security considerations.
The last major structural renovation of the White House occurred during the Truman administration in the early 1950s. If completed on schedule, Trump’s ballroom could stand as one of the most significant modifications to the building since that era.
White House officials emphasized that the project is not just functional but also intended to serve as a legacy. Construction is expected to be completed before the end of Trump’s current term in January 2029.
