For over a decade, President Donald Trump has been harboring an ambitious vision for a new ballroom on the White House campus. This long-held dream is on the verge of becoming a reality with plans announced for the construction of this lavish event space, which will reportedly cost around $200 million and cover an impressive 90,000 square feet. The announcement, made by Trump’s press secretary, indicates that construction will commence in September, marking the culmination of a 15-year ambition to expand the entertaining capacity of the White House. The design of the ballroom is poised to evoke the opulence reminiscent of Trump’s private clubs, emphasizing his penchant for grandiose aesthetics.
The renderings shared by the White House paint a picture of a magnificent ballroom outfitted with gold and crystal chandeliers, luxurious gilded Corinthian columns, a coffered ceiling adorned with gold inlays, and gold floor lamps complemented by a striking checkered marble floor. Three walls featuring arched windows will offer panoramic views of the White House’s south grounds, proudly displaying a newly erected flagpole—a feature that was also a personal addition by Trump to this historic compound.
According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the upcoming “state ballroom” will be constructed within the footprint of the East Wing, which has traditionally functioned as the office space for first ladies. Current staff members operating from this space will need to be temporarily relocated to accommodate the construction. The architectural design aims to blend seamlessly with the neoclassical heritage of the executive mansion while expanding its functionality.
In terms of design, the exterior of the ballroom is expected to extend onto the South Lawn, accentuated by a colonnade gracing one of its walls. The eastern wall will feature a distinct Palladian facade accentuated with columns and a pediment, exuding a classic and timeless elegance. Furthermore, the opulent gold-and-white color scheme draws inspiration from the lavish Louis XIV-style main event room at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s renowned club in Palm Beach. This inclination towards borrowing elements from his private establishments underscores Trump’s desire to marry personal aesthetic preferences with the historical gravity of the White House.
During a recent meeting with the president of the European Commission at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, Trump remarked, “No president knew how to build a ballroom,” confidently asserting that he could find a place for his ballroom design at the White House. The new ballroom is set to accommodate 650 guests seated, significantly outstripping the current capacity of the East Room, the largest event space at the White House, which is known to hold considerably fewer guests.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles lauded Trump’s vision, noting his unique knack for construction and attention to detail. She emphasized that the administration intends to work diligently with the relevant organizations to not only preserve the cherished history of the White House but also to create a stunning ballroom that future administrations—and generations of Americans—can enjoy.
Leavitt further clarified that the funding for this project will primarily come from Trump and other private donors, portraying this as a necessary development following past administrations’ reliance on temporary structures for hosting major events on the South Lawn, which she labeled “unsightly.” She noted that for over 150 years, there has been a lingering need for a larger event space that comfortably accommodates more guests, and Trump has taken it upon himself to address this gap in capacity.
Recent discussions have included meetings between Trump and officials from the National Park Service, the White House Military Office, and the U.S. Secret Service to deliberate on design elements and planning. For this monumental project, McCrery Architects, a firm noted for its classical architecture, has been engaged to ensure that the ballroom’s design complements the White House’s distinguished aesthetic. Jim McCrery, the CEO of the firm, expressed his honor at being tasked with this renovation, highlighting the importance of preserving the classical elegance that defines the People’s House.
Trump’s vision for a ballroom within the White House is not a new endeavor; it dates back to at least 2010, when he extended an offer to President Barack Obama to build one—a proposal that was ultimately declined. Trump highlighted that the initial cost of his dream ballroom was estimated at about $100 million, a figure he maintained during his presidency, lamenting the lack of response to his generous offer. As construction begins, it remains to be seen how this ambitious project will impact the White House’s historical legacy and its role as a venue for presidential engagements.
