President Donald Trump posted a fresh rendering of what he called the White House’s “New East Wing,” highlighting plans for a large ballroom addition.
In a Tuesday, Feb. 3 post on Truth Social, Trump described the proposed “much anticipated White House Ballroom” as a “magnificent” upgrade, contrasting it with what he called the original East Wing’s smaller, worn condition.
New details on the ballroom and East Wing plans
According to Bloomberg, the new East Wing would span 89,000 square feet, with the centerpiece being a 22,000-square-foot ballroom—a space that would rank among the largest dining rooms in Washington, D.C.
The remaining areas are expected to include a newly built movie theater and office space for first lady Melania Trump and her staff. Those facilities were removed when the original East Wing building was demolished in October.
The structure is reportedly designed as two levels: one level featuring offices and a movie theater, and another dedicated to the ballroom. The facade is expected to be constructed using stone and pre-cast concrete.
Trump’s post follows the East Wing’s unexpected demolition last October to clear space for the ballroom project.
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Cost estimate increased
While early projections reportedly put construction at $200 million, Trump said in December that the price had doubled.
“We’re donating a $400 million ballroom,” Trump said during a Hanukkah reception at the White House on Tuesday, Dec. 17, according to footage shared by C-SPAN. “Myself and donors are giving them, free of charge, for nothing.”
Reports of a bunker upgrade
In addition to the planned theater, banquet hall, and first lady’s office space, reports suggest there could be further work underway beneath the east side of the complex—a possible “top secret bunker” under the ballroom.
An underground bomb shelter was reportedly built under the East Wing during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency after the attack on Pearl Harbor. CNN reported that it may now be getting upgraded with newer technology to address evolving threats.
The original shelter was reportedly accessed through a “vault-style door” and stocked with emergency supplies such as beds, non-perishable food, and water.
The White House has not publicly confirmed any bunker-related upgrades tied to the construction project.
