The White House Makeover: Trump’s $200 Million Ballroom Causes Major Debate

The White House is set to undergo one of its most ambitious transformations in recent history. President Donald Trump has announced his plans to build a privately funded $200 million ballroom on White House grounds, making this the first major structural addition to the property in almost eight decades. Simultaneously, Trump has installed a wave of new gold themed decor throughout the Oval Office, sparking a resurgence of public debate over appropriate presidential taste, legacy and image.

A New Ballroom for “The People’s House”

According to the administration, construction on the new “White House State Ballroom” will begin in September, with completion expected before the end of Trump’s term in early 2029. The addition will span 90,000-square feet and will be added to the East Wing, accommodating up to 650 guests for state dinners and other official events.

“We’ve been planning it for a long time,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years.”

The president emphasized that the project will not rely on any taxpayer dollars. “It’s a private thing. I’ll do it. And we’ll probably have some donors,” said Trump, underscoring that the funding will come from private sources and supporters rather than any federal budget.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles described the project as part of Trump’s enduring focus on construction and aesthetics.

“President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail,” Wiles said in a statement.

“The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come,” Wiles added.