President Donald Trump’s ambitious vision for a grand new White House ballroom is poised to become a reality, with construction slated to commence this September. This monumental project, reportedly costing $200 million, aims to significantly expand the executive mansion’s event capacity, a goal Trump has harbored for over a decade and a half.
The forthcoming 90,000-square-foot ballroom is designed to be a lavish addition to the White House campus, capable of seating 650 guests—more than triple the capacity of the current largest event space, the East Room. This expansion addresses a long-standing need for a larger venue within the historic compound.
Renderings reveal a design that echoes the opulence of Trump’s private clubs, particularly the Louis XIV-style main event room at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The plans feature gold and crystal chandeliers, gilded Corinthian columns, a coffered ceiling with gold inlays, gold floor lamps, and a checkered marble floor, all contributing to a distinctly gilded space.
The state ballroom is projected to occupy space currently housing the East Wing, necessitating the temporary relocation of staff. Its exterior will dramatically jut onto the South Lawn, with a colonnade along one wall and a Palladian facade on the eastern side, altering the immediate landscape of the historic compound.
Characterizing himself as “a builder at heart,” President Trump has often expressed his commitment to constructing this “great legacy project.” His administration asserts that this new structure will resolve a 150-year-old deficiency in White House event facilities, allowing future administrations to host major gatherings without resorting to temporary, “unsightly” tents.
Funding for this extensive renovation is reportedly sourced from President Trump himself and other private donors, underscoring its unique financial model. Collaborative meetings have been held with key organizations, including the National Park Service, the White House Military Office, and the US Secret Service, to ensure thoughtful design features and comprehensive planning.
McCrery Architects, known for classical architectural design, has been chosen to spearhead the project, with CEO Jim McCrery expressing honor in contributing to “The People’s House.” Notably, Trump’s interest in a White House ballroom dates back to at least 2010 when his offer to fund a similar project during the Obama administration was declined.
The administration emphasizes that the new ballroom will maintain the neoclassical executive mansion’s architectural heritage, providing a beautiful and functional space for generations of Americans and future administrations. This significant undertaking reflects a persistent ambition to enhance the White House’s entertaining capacity and architectural grandeur.
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