Federal government announces $200 million project for the construction of a grand ballroom, long desired by Trump at the White House.
The Trump administration has announced plans for a significant renovation of the East Wing of the White House, with a focus on constructing a new state ballroom to address long-standing capacity constraints for hosting events. The project, set to begin in September 2025, is expected to be completed well before the end of President Donald Trump’s term.
The expansion will increase the size of the East Wing, which currently houses offices for the first lady and her staff, the White House social secretary, the Graphics and Calligraphy Office, and visitor facilities including the visitors' entrance and theater. The new ballroom will enhance the White House’s ability to host larger official events and social functions.
While specific donor information beyond the $200 million cost has not been publicly detailed, it is known that President Trump and other donors will cover the costs of the renovation. The impact on government workers will likely include expanded working and event-hosting space, providing relief from existing capacity limits and facilitating improved operations for social and official functions within the White House complex.
McCrery Architects and Clark Construction have been tapped for the project. The new ballroom will be separated from the main building, but its theme and architectural heritage will be similar to the existing White House. The ballroom is expected to allow for events for about 650 people, significantly increasing the White House’s capacity to host guests.
The East Wing, a historically significant part of the White House complex, sits above the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, a secure underground shelter for the president. The new ballroom will modernize and expand the wing’s function without altering its critical security infrastructure.
In recent weeks, the White House has been discussing the construction project with White House staff, the National Park Service, and the Secret Service. The administration has already started to make changes to the White House, such as paving over the Rose Garden and restyling the Oval Office. However, it's unclear if there have been any recent events involving the installation of a new flagpole or questions about workers' immigration status.
The specific details of the relocation of government workers during the renovation have not been disclosed. President Trump has expressed a desire to leave an imprint on the White House for future administrations, and the Trump White House is committed to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom.
The renovation of the East Wing, involving the construction of a new state ballroom, is set to enhance the White House's capacity to accommodate larger political events and social functions. The project, funded by President Trump and other donors, will also modernize the White House infrastructure, including the provision of expanded working space for government workers. The new ballroom, expected to be completed before Trump's term ends, will be a notable addition to the White House complex, capable of hosting about 650 people, and will maintain the historical integrity of the East Wing.
