Trump Embarks on $250 Million White House Ballroom Project

Wed Oct 22 2025 08:34:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Construction kicks off for a new ballroom intended to accommodate 999 guests, raising questions about funding and the integrity of the historic East Wing.

Construction has commenced on a $250 million ballroom at the White House, following the demolition of part of the East Wing. President Trump claims the funding is secured through private donations, while the project aims to create a lavish venue for hosting events exceeding the capacity of existing spaces. However, the approach has faced scrutiny concerning the disruption to historic architecture and the absence of regulatory approvals.

WASHINGTON — This week marks the beginning of a massive construction project as crews kick off work on a $250 million ballroom at the White House, located in the space where part of the historic East Wing is being demolished.

President Donald Trump announced the project, which he claims will be constructed without taxpayer money, funded wholly through donations from various individuals and companies.

The new ballroom, measuring over 90,000 square feet, is expected to dramatically increase the venue's entertaining capacity, facilitating events for nearly 1,000 guests. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the current East Room’s limitations, which accommodates only 200.

Initially, officials stated that no existing structures would be demolished. However, as construction commenced, it became clear that significant alterations to the East Wing would be required. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt acknowledged some demolition was essential to facilitate the ballroom project.

Trump maintained that some funding comes from a $22 million settlement received from YouTube related to a lawsuit he filed against the platform. A complete listing of other donors has yet to be disclosed by the White House.

The ambitious construction includes plans for bulletproof windows and aims for completion before the end of Trump's second term in January 2029. Critics have raised concerns that moving forward without official approval from regulatory agencies may set a concerning precedent for future projects.

This ballroom project incorporates a long history of similar additions and alterations to the White House, where past presidents have faced scrutiny over their construction expenditures while ultimately shaping the complex's architectural legacy.