Donald Trump Announces Massive $200 Million Expansion to White House, and It’s Glittering with Gold

President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping $200 million renovation plan to transform the East Wing into a sprawling new ballroom complex. The expansion, which the White House describes as a “much-needed and exquisite addition,” will begin construction in September and aims to modernize the executive residence while embracing opulent design.

The new White House Ballroom will replace the East Room as the primary venue for major events, offering enough space to host up to 650 guests—more than triple the current capacity. At 90,000 square feet, renderings of the space showcase towering Greek-style columns, massive arched windows, and glittering gold chandeliers hanging from an ornate coffered ceiling. Rows of gold chairs and banquet-style tables will line the expansive floor.

The ballroom will be built on the footprint of the existing East Wing, which has historically housed offices for the First Lady and her staff. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized during a press briefing that the East Wing is not being demolished, but rather “modernized” through the expansion. Staff will be temporarily relocated while construction is underway.

“The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main residence,” the official announcement stated, “but its architectural theme will remain closely aligned with the historic design of the White House.”

The White House said the new facility will eliminate the need for outdoor tents often used to accommodate overflow guests, calling those structures “large and unsightly.” Instead, future high-profile events will be held indoors in the new ballroom, which promises a more elegant and practical solution.

The Trump administration confirmed that funding for the project will come from President Trump himself and private donors. No taxpayer funds will be used. While a specific completion date was not provided, officials said the ballroom will open “well before the end of President Trump’s term.”

The design was developed by McCrery Architects, with CEO Jim McCrery calling the effort “a beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House.”

This latest renovation follows a series of changes overseen by the Trumps, including the removal of the White House Rose Garden lawn. The garden, originally installed under President John F. Kennedy, is now being converted into a concrete patio—reportedly to prevent high heels from sinking into soft ground during events.

“The Trumps have deep respect for the history of the White House,” a spokesperson told PEOPLE earlier this summer. “This restoration preserves the beauty of the Rose Garden while enhancing its practical use for modern-day ceremonies.”

The 19-date Up All Night Tour will span Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, wrapping August 10 in Kazakhstan.

President Trump’s new ballroom is expected to set a bold new standard for presidential hospitality—and, as with much of the Trump era, do so in gilded style.