WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction is underway for a new ballroom at the White House, a project that is expected to cost $250 million. Crews have already begun demolishing part of the East Wing for this large addition.
President Trump believes the White House needs a bigger entertaining space. Currently, the East Room can only hold about 200 guests, which he finds limiting. He has often criticized the idea of hosting events outside in tents on the South Lawn.
The ballroom is set to be a massive 90,000 square feet, capable of accommodating up to 999 people. Trump claims that the project will not use taxpayer funds; instead, it will be financed through private donations. Some donations have already come from major companies, including $22 million from YouTube, settled from a lawsuit Trump filed against the company in 2021.
Historically, the East Wing has been home to the first lady’s staff and is typically where guests enter for events. Initially, the White House maintained that the existing structure would remain intact, but some demolition is necessary for modernization as part of the ballroom project.
Interestingly, Trump has started the construction without the approval of the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees changes to significant government buildings. His administration has blurred the lines between demolition and renovation by claiming they are only updating existing structures.
Renderings of the ballroom suggest it will echo the opulence of Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private estate in Florida. The ballroom’s windows will reportedly be bulletproof, adding an extra layer of security.
As for the completion timeline, the White House expects the ballroom to be ready by January 2029, ahead of Trump’s potential second term.
Changes in the White House have a long history. Previous presidents have undertaken significant renovations, often meeting criticism. For instance, Thomas Jefferson added colonnades, while Theodore Roosevelt constructed the West Wing to provide space for the president and staff. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s East Wing renovation also modernized social functions in the White House.
Interestingly, a past significant renovation occurred under Harry Truman when the White House’s structural weakness necessitated a gut renovation from 1948 to 1952. This project included adding a balcony, which stirred public debate at the time.
This ballroom project continues a legacy of modifying the White House, making it a reflection of each administration’s priorities and style.
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