The White House will soon undergo its first major structural addition since 1948, with construction set to begin on a new $200 million, 90,000 sq ft ballroom under President Donald Trump’s second term. Designed to accommodate up to 650 guests, the new venue aims to address limitations of the current East Room, which holds only 200 people.
The ballroom will replace the East Wing and be built with funds from Trump and “patriot donors”, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Trump calls it his “gift to the country.”
He cited frequent logistical issues with outdoor tents on the South Lawn during large events, especially in inclement weather. “They wanted [a ballroom] for many, many years,” Trump told.
The project will be designed by McCrery Architects, built by Clark Construction, and engineered by AECOM. Unlike past cosmetic changes Trump made—like gold filigree and a redesigned Rose Garden—this new ballroom will be a permanent legacy structure.
