In a move that has captured attention across Washington and beyond, President Donald Trump has announced the construction of a massive, state-of-the-art ballroom within the White House grounds. The new structure, which will be built on the site of the existing East Wing, is poised to be one of the most significant architectural changes to the presidential residence in over seven decades.
The planned ballroom will cover approximately 90,000 square feet and accommodate up to 650 guests. This is more than triple the capacity of the current East Room, which has long served as the White House’s primary event space. The Trump administration stated that the project would help host state dinners, formal receptions, and large-scale diplomatic events with greater ease and elegance.
Notably, the entire project will be privately funded. The $200 million budget will reportedly come from President Trump himself along with support from what the administration calls “patriotic donors.” According to officials, no taxpayer money will be used for the construction.
Designs for the new ballroom reflect neoclassical elegance and grandeur. Early reports suggest it will feature ornate chandeliers, coffered ceilings, arched windows, gold detailing, and Corinthian columns—meant to blend with the historical aesthetics of the White House while elevating its functionality.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025, with a projected completion date before the end of Trump’s current term in January 2029. While the project is underway, the First Lady’s office and other functions currently housed in the East Wing will be temporarily relocated.
This isn’t the first time Trump has proposed such a project. He previously offered to fund a White House ballroom during the Obama administration, an offer that was declined. Now, with the opportunity to bring that vision to life, the ballroom is being presented as both a practical upgrade and a legacy project.
The announcement has sparked varied reactions, with some praising the plan as a necessary modernization and others raising questions about priorities. Still, the administration maintains that the project will bring lasting value to the nation’s most iconic residence.
As construction begins, the new White House ballroom promises to reshape how American presidents host the world—this time, with a gilded touch.
