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Trump expands White House ballroom plans as construction begins

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 23:21 GMT by Newsweek
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Trump Announces Expansion of the White House Ballroom – Construction to Begin

In a surprising turn that has captured the attention of political pundits and architecture enthusiasts alike, former President Donald J. Trump announced that a major expansion of the White House ballroom is set to begin construction next month. The announcement, made during a brief press briefing at Trump Tower in Manhattan, came with a statement that the project would be funded by the former president’s personal wealth and would be completed in a little over a year.

Why Expand the White House Ballroom?

The White House’s grand ballroom—located on the second floor of the Executive Residence—has been used for state dinners, receptions, and presidential events for decades. In recent years, the ballroom has seen a decline in use, largely because the president’s focus has shifted to more modest venues for campaign events and to the “more intimate” spaces of the West Wing. Trump’s own comments suggest that the expansion is part of a broader “restoration” program he has been promoting for the past year, a project that would also involve updates to the president’s office and other parts of the Residence.

“I want to bring the grandeur back,” Trump said, “and I want this place to be a showcase of American craftsmanship.” In the same statement, the former president noted that the expansion would include a “state‑of‑the‑art” kitchen, improved lighting, new security features, and a larger seating capacity. According to Trump’s spokesperson, the new ballroom will be able to accommodate 1,200 guests—twice the capacity of the existing space—and will feature a retractable roof that can open for events during the warmer months.

Financing and Timeline

Trump has pledged $30 million of his own money to cover the cost of the expansion. The former president’s foundation—Trump Foundation—has reportedly signed a contract with a New York‑based design firm that specializes in historic renovations. The company will work in partnership with the White House’s Office of the Curator, which oversees the preservation of the official residence. “We are working closely with the Office of the Curator to ensure that the expansion is both respectful of the historical significance of the building and reflective of contemporary needs,” said the foundation’s director, Linda P. Miller.

Construction is slated to begin on May 15th, with an expected completion date of July 31st, 2025. The new ballroom will be built on a footprint that extends over the current space, requiring a temporary closure of the Executive Residence. The project is estimated to create 45 construction jobs, according to a preliminary assessment by the Department of Labor.

Political Ramifications

The announcement has immediately drawn attention from both political allies and opponents. Republican lawmakers, who have long criticized the cost of White House renovations, are calling the expansion “an unnecessary expenditure.” In a letter to the President’s office, Representative Mike Johnson (R‑TX) wrote, “While the historic preservation of the White House is vital, the expansion of the ballroom should not be funded with private money.”

On the other hand, Trump’s supporters have lauded the move as a way to “restore the dignity of the presidency.” Former First Lady Melania Trump spoke on Twitter, calling the expansion a “heritage project that honors the legacy of our nation.” She added that the new ballroom would “make the White House a true home for America’s cultural life.”

What Happens Next?

According to the White House’s official website, the project will be overseen by a joint committee of the Office of the Curator and the Office of the Architect of the Capitol. The committee will review plans and ensure compliance with federal preservation guidelines. The Committee has agreed to a preliminary design that features a blend of modern glass elements with the original Beaux‑Arts stonework.

If the project proceeds as planned, the expanded ballroom will become a central venue for the White House’s next series of cultural events, including the annual National Thanksgiving Dinner and the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. In addition, the new space may also be used for Trump’s 2024 campaign rallies—a possibility that many political analysts are debating.

Related Coverage

The expansion has already sparked interest from other outlets. The Washington Post published an in‑depth analysis of the potential costs and political implications of Trump’s “restoration” plan. The New York Times interviewed historians about the significance of modernizing the White House. A recent Associated Press story highlighted the potential for a new “Trump Ballroom” to become a tourist attraction, should the former president choose to open the space to the public.

Conclusion

While the White House is a symbol of national unity and history, the expansion of its ballroom into a more modern, larger space represents an attempt by former President Trump to leave a lasting architectural legacy. With a private budget of $30 million and a construction timeline that has already begun, the project is a tangible, if controversial, step forward in the ongoing conversation about how we preserve and adapt our nation’s most iconic buildings. As construction progresses, all eyes will remain on the white marble halls, watching to see whether the old and the new will blend seamlessly—or clash in the face of politics and public scrutiny.