President Donald Trump offered an update Monday on the White House ballroom renovations currently underway, telling reporters the project is “under budget and ahead of schedule” and adding that the ballroom is “bigger than I told you.”
Why It Matters
The project represents a major change to the White House’s exterior, raising questions about how national landmarks should be managed, how tradition should be balanced with modernization, and how much authority a president has to alter federally protected sites.
With a projected cost now cited at $400 million—and with the administration insisting taxpayers won’t pay for it—the ballroom’s construction has drawn criticism and concern from some lawmakers, preservation advocates, and members of the public over long-term impact and transparency around funding.
What To Know
The new ballroom is planned for the East Wing. Early White House statements put the cost at $200 million, but Trump told reporters earlier this month the estimate has increased to $400 million. The administration says the project will be privately funded, including alleged donations from Trump and other contributors, and that it will not be paid for with taxpayer money.
Trump previously told NBC News in September that the ballroom is expected to hold about 900 people—up from an initial estimate of 650—making it nearly 40 percent larger than first described. “We’re making it a little bigger. It will be top of the line, as good as it can get anywhere in the world,” he said in a phone interview with the outlet.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Trump described the project as a long-sought addition: “I’m doing a magnificent, big, beautiful ballroom that the country has wanted, the White House has wanted for 150 years.”
He then expanded on what he said were changes to the design and security features: “We’re under budget and ahead of schedule. Now… it’s bigger than I told you… after realizing we’re going to do the inauguration in that building. It’s got all bulletproof glass, it’s got all drone, they call it drone-free roof. Drones won’t touch it… It’s a big beautiful safe building.”
It was not immediately clear at the time of publication whether Trump’s comments about the ballroom being “bigger” referred to the expanded capacity he discussed in September or indicated an additional increase beyond that.
What People Are Saying
The White House wrote on X in October: “For over 100 years, presidents have enhanced the White House, preserving its legacy as a symbol of our nation. Today, President Trump proudly broke ground on the new, big White House Ballroom. Privately funded, it costs taxpayers nothing & will be cherished for generations.”
Representative Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, wrote on X earlier this month: “The White House is not private property. It does not belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to the people. I’m introducing legislation to protect the building’s historic character against the president’s bulldozer and Marie Antoinette ballroom.”
What Happens Next
As construction continues, the project is expected to face ongoing legal and public scrutiny focused on its scope, final cost, funding sources, and the long-term effect on the White House’s historic character.
