President Donald Trump has begun construction on a grand new ballroom at the White House, funded entirely by private donations — a rare and controversial addition to the historic estate.
The announcement came Monday through Trump’s Truth Social account, where he described the start of the project as a long-awaited modernization effort for the East Wing. “I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” Trump wrote. “Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process, and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete!”
“For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!” he added. “The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for Generations to come!”
A lot of FAKE OUTRAGE over construction of the big, beautiful (and privately funded) White House Ballroom.
FACT: Presidents have been renovating and expanding the White House for more than 100 years.
In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt built the West Wing .
In 1909,… pic.twitter.com/p7opxjsNAm
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 20, 2025
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined the project’s timeline earlier this year, saying the $200 million expansion would begin in September and be completed before Trump’s term concludes. The ballroom will span roughly 90,000 square feet, accommodate about 650 guests, and maintain the neoclassical style of the White House complex.
Leavitt said the current facilities have long been inadequate for major state functions. “The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building’s entrance,” she said, calling the new ballroom “a much needed and exquisite addition.”
The initiative follows Trump’s earlier personal investment in two 60-foot American flags installed on the White House lawn, each costing about $50,000.
I don't know who needs to hear this, but the wing of the White House Trump is rebuilding as a ballroom was actually demolished under FDR. It was originally built in 1902, and most of what stands now dates from 1942. These halls being renovated are modern, not ones our founders… pic.twitter.com/0IxQ1zoAw1
— Jillian Anderson (@Jillie_Alexis) October 21, 2025
Security oversight for the ballroom project will fall under the U.S. Secret Service, which is coordinating adjustments to ensure construction does not interfere with daily operations or presidential protection, according to reports.
Design plans come from McCrery Architects, with Clark Construction managing the build and AECOM providing engineering support. Renderings released by the White House show an opulent hall that blends seamlessly with the estate’s historic architecture, promising a venue for diplomatic receptions, formal dinners, and other state occasions.
