WASHINGTON — The White House announced Thursday that construction will begin this September on a new $200 million ballroom, the latest addition to President Donald Trump’s sweeping renovation of the Executive Mansion.
The 90,000-square-foot structure—set to be completed before the end of Trump’s second term in 2029—marks the first major structural expansion of the White House since President Harry Truman added the iconic balcony in 1948.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt unveiled renderings of the planned venue during Thursday’s press briefing, noting the ballroom will be able to seat up to 650 guests. It will be built adjacent to, but separate from, the historic residence—occupying the space currently held by the East Wing, which will be temporarily vacated and modernized during construction.
“Nothing will be torn down,” Leavitt emphasized. “This project respects the integrity and history of the White House.”
Trump’s Vision: “Top of the Line”
President Trump, known for his real estate background, has long criticized the White House’s limited capacity for large-scale events. He’s repeatedly voiced frustration with past administrations relying on outdoor tents for major state dinners.
“They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for over 150 years,” Trump said Thursday. “But there’s never been a president who understood ballrooms. I do. We’re going to build it fast, it’ll be beautiful, top of the line.”
He added, “It won’t touch the mansion itself, and it will honor the beauty of the White House—my favorite place in the world.”
Trump described the ballroom as a “legacy project” that will benefit future presidents. “It’ll be great for America,” he said.
A New Look for the People’s House
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has implemented a series of aesthetic and functional changes to the White House grounds. The Oval Office has been redecorated with gold accents and new presidential portraits, and oversized flagpoles now flank both the north and south lawns. The Rose Garden lawn is being replaced with stone paving.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said Trump is “fully committed to preserving the history of the White House” while also modernizing it. “President Trump is a builder at heart with an extraordinary eye for detail,” Wiles said in a statement.
Funded by Private Donors
Leavitt confirmed that the entire project will be funded by private donations, with President Trump contributing personally. She declined to name the other donors but said the administration has already secured commitments totaling the full $200 million.
McCrery Architects of Washington, D.C., has been selected to lead the design. Clark Construction will oversee the build, with engineering support provided by AECOM.
