President Donald Trump has announced sweeping plans to remake the White House grounds, including a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom to replace the East Wing and a redesigned bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom styled after the era of its namesake. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Trump described the initiative as part of his ongoing mission to improve the presidential residence. “I’m doing a lot of improvements,” he said, emphasizing his direct involvement in the project.
The ballroom stands at the center of Trump’s vision—a grand venue designed to eliminate the logistical headaches of hosting events under temporary tents, according to NBC News. “When it rains or snows, it’s a disaster,” Trump explained, citing the frequent use of the South Lawn, “a football field away from the White House.” Designed by McCrery Architects and expected to break ground in September, the project is slated for completion before the end of Trump’s current term. Trump estimates the cost at $200 million and vows to fund it through private donations and his own resources, calling the project “his gift to the country.”
The East Wing, constructed in 1942 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt to accommodate the first lady’s staff, would be demolished to make way for the ballroom—marking the most dramatic alteration to the White House complex since President Harry Truman’s mid-century reconstruction. A White House official confirmed Trump’s deep involvement, noting his review of renderings and coordination with the National Park Service and other entities. “He has a vision to make the White House as exceptional and beautiful as possible for future presidents and administrations,” the official said.
Trump’s renovation efforts extend indoors as well. He plans to overhaul a bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom that he said was “terribly” remodeled and will now reflect the 19th-century style of Abraham Lincoln’s time. The Oval Office has undergone a decorative transformation, with gold trim and accents now featured prominently. Outside, Trump has added towering flagpoles and paved sections of the Rose Garden to address persistent problems with soggy ground. “I was always a great real estate developer, and I know how to do that,” Trump said.
Not everyone is applauding the plan. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat from Wisconsin, who sits on the House Appropriations panel overseeing the executive office, questioned the use of private funds for such a large-scale project. “Is this going to be a White House ballroom sponsored by Carl’s Jr.?” Pocan asked, revealing that Democrats can’t even praise basic improvements if done by a Republican. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer echoed that skepticism, reminding everyone that he won’t be hosting state dinners any time soon, remarking to NBC, “Listen, I’m happy to eat my cheeseburger at my desk. I don’t need a $200 million ballroom to eat it in. OK?”
Large-scale White House renovations have long sparked controversy. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, noted that Truman’s complete gutting of the interior drew public outrage, while Roosevelt’s East Wing was derided by congressional Republicans as wasteful. Still, McLaurin observed, “the East Wing’s utility in supporting the modern presidency eventually quieted critics.”
