Trump breaks ground on privately funded White House ballroom

“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 on Truth Social. “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!”

Trump said the idea for a formal ballroom at the White House dates back 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 said.

Trump said the project is entirely funded through private donations from “generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly,” ensuring that taxpayers bear no financial burden.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt first announced plans for the project in July, describing the ballroom as a “long overdue enhancement” to the historic residence. She confirmed that construction, estimated at roughly $200 million, began in September and will be “completed long before the end of President Trump’s term.”

The new 90,000 square-foot addition will replace the current East Wing and feature a grand ballroom designed to host up to 650 seated guests. The space will provide a permanent venue for state dinners, ceremonial events, and official gatherings, functions that currently require large outdoor tents.

“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,” Leavitt said in July. “The new ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition.”

According to Fox News, Trump selected McCrery Architects to design the project, ensuring it maintains the White House’s classical aesthetic. Clark Construction will oversee the build, with AECOM providing engineering support. The United States Secret Service will implement all necessary security enhancements and modifications during construction.

Earlier this year, Trump personally financed the installation of two 88-foot American flags flanking the White House, each reportedly costing about $50,000, a gesture that foreshadowed the new ballroom’s privately funded approach.

“The White House Ballroom,” Trump said, “will be happily used for generations to come.”

The White House noted that construction on the White House is not abnormal, with many presidents over the last century making additions and changes while in office.