The White House has revealed an ambitious project to construct a new $200 million ballroom, aiming to enhance the venue for formal functions and state dinners.
Plans Announced for $200 Million White House Ballroom
Plans Announced for $200 Million White House Ballroom
New ballroom will provide a much-needed venue for state events and is set to begin construction in September.
The proposal, characterized as "much needed" by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, comes after President Donald Trump's long-expressed desire to create a more accommodating space for White House events. This new ballroom will be situated adjacent to a renovated East Wing, which currently houses key offices including that of First Lady Melania Trump, and will accommodate up to 650 guests.
Funding for the ballroom is set to come from Trump along with other unnamed donors, with construction slated to kick off in September, as per Leavitt's announcement during a press briefing. In previous years, Trump voiced the necessity for a larger space, as many events currently take place in the East Room—a smaller area that only seats about 200 attendees. The ballroom is anticipated to reduce the frequent need for large outdoor tents for significant gatherings, which have drawn criticism for their appearance.
"This exquisite addition to the White House is essential to modernizing our state functions," Leavitt stated. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles echoed this sentiment, assuring that the administration is dedicated to preserving the historic nature of the White House while adding a beautiful venue that can be utilized for future administrations.
According to renderings released by the White House, the new ballroom will feature an architectural style that is consistent with the existing design of the White House, boasting elegant interiors complete with chandeliers and ornate columns. "The White House has a tradition of evolving to meet the needs of its leaders," said Leslie Greene Bowman from the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, emphasizing the importance of the building's historical integrity.
As the East Wing's offices will be temporarily relocated for the construction, plans for the ballroom have already sparked discussions reminiscing about Trump's bold past proposals, including a notable $100 million offer during Barack Obama's presidency for similar enhancements. This suggestion at the time was dismissed by the Obama administration.
Trump, in his characteristic style, remarked, "No president knew how to build a ballroom," while discussing the project at a recent gala, indicating his confidence in the aesthetic appeal of the new addition—an ambition he believes will significantly transform the White House's hosting capabilities for official engagements.
Funding for the ballroom is set to come from Trump along with other unnamed donors, with construction slated to kick off in September, as per Leavitt's announcement during a press briefing. In previous years, Trump voiced the necessity for a larger space, as many events currently take place in the East Room—a smaller area that only seats about 200 attendees. The ballroom is anticipated to reduce the frequent need for large outdoor tents for significant gatherings, which have drawn criticism for their appearance.
"This exquisite addition to the White House is essential to modernizing our state functions," Leavitt stated. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles echoed this sentiment, assuring that the administration is dedicated to preserving the historic nature of the White House while adding a beautiful venue that can be utilized for future administrations.
According to renderings released by the White House, the new ballroom will feature an architectural style that is consistent with the existing design of the White House, boasting elegant interiors complete with chandeliers and ornate columns. "The White House has a tradition of evolving to meet the needs of its leaders," said Leslie Greene Bowman from the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, emphasizing the importance of the building's historical integrity.
As the East Wing's offices will be temporarily relocated for the construction, plans for the ballroom have already sparked discussions reminiscing about Trump's bold past proposals, including a notable $100 million offer during Barack Obama's presidency for similar enhancements. This suggestion at the time was dismissed by the Obama administration.
Trump, in his characteristic style, remarked, "No president knew how to build a ballroom," while discussing the project at a recent gala, indicating his confidence in the aesthetic appeal of the new addition—an ambition he believes will significantly transform the White House's hosting capabilities for official engagements.
