UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced a significant expansion of the new White House ballroom, now set to accommodate 900 people—a 40 percent increase over the original design of 650. The construction, which began earlier today, is part of a controversial $200 million project aimed at modernizing America’s iconic residence.
Trump shared the news during a live interview with NBC News, where construction equipment was visibly active at the site. This expansion represents the most substantial alteration to the White House exterior since the East Wing was expanded in 1942, marking a historic moment for the presidential residence.
The new ballroom will fundamentally change how the White House hosts large diplomatic events and state functions, eliminating the need for temporary tents on the South Lawn—an arrangement Trump has criticized as undignified for welcoming foreign leaders.
In the interview, Trump expressed pride in the project, stating, “We’re making it a little bigger. It will be top of the line, as good as it can get anywhere in the world.” His vision for the ballroom is not only a legacy project for future administrations but also a response to the current limitations of the East Room, which can only host about 200 people.
What You Need to Know: The ballroom will be constructed at the East Wing, which has traditionally served as office space for the First Lady and her staff. As construction progresses, these offices will be temporarily relocated to accommodate the renovation. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that “nothing will be torn down” during the construction process.
The project has attracted considerable attention, especially following Trump’s emotional remarks about the recent loss of his friend and ally Charlie Kirk. When asked how he was coping, Trump confidently stated, “I think very good… They’ve just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House, which is something they’ve been trying to get, as you know, for about 150 years.”
The ballroom’s design will be led by McCrery Architects, with Clark Construction managing the build and AECOM overseeing engineering. Trump has taken a personal interest in the project, ensuring that it respects the historical integrity of the existing building while providing a modern venue for presidential events.
What Happens Next? With construction officially underway, the ballroom is expected to take approximately four years to complete, aiming for a grand opening in early 2029. This ambitious timeline will be closely watched, as the project not only reshapes the physical landscape of the White House but also symbolizes a significant shift in how the presidency engages with international diplomacy.
As public interest grows, many are eager to see how this renovation will impact the future of the White House and its role in American history. The ballroom’s development is sure to spark conversations about tradition versus modernization in one of the world’s most recognized residences.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
