Trump administration announces historic White House expansion

In a briefing for reporters at the White House on July 31, 2025, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the U.S. President Donal J. Trump has approved plans to construct a 90,000-square-ft White House state ballroom. 

The decision was made in light of growing need of managing larger events as the administration used to outsource outdoor tents to organize larger events.

The $200 million project is entirely funded by private donations including the President’s own contributions.

A solution for unsightly tents

For decades, the White House has been hosting significant events, including hosting world leaders and organising large gatherings. However, due to a lack of a proper space, the administration had to erect makeshift tents 100 yards from the main building, accommodating just 200 seated guests in the East Room.

McCrery Architects known for their classical style will design the new ballroom that can accommodate 650 guests and blend seamlessly with the White House’s historic aesthetic.

Architect Jim McCrery said: “Presidents have faced this problem since Truman, this renovation honors the People’s House while meeting modern needs.”

Design and Security

In 1902, the East wing was added and altered repeatedly in the White House. The new construction will replace the East Wing. 

The construction and engineering of the building will be led by Clark Construction and AECOM, while the Secret Service is responsible for overseeing security upgrades.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles praised the new initiative stating: “The President’s builder’s eye ensures this will serve generations while preserving history.”

In the official statement she further added: “The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organisations to preserving the special history of the White House, while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future administrations and generations of Americans to come.”

Funding and Timeline

To clarify the funding, Leavitt announced that no taxpayer dollars will be utilised for the construction of the ballhouse. Rather the cost will be covered by Trump and private donors.

She further stated that the project showcases Trump’s focus on legacy, choosing his 2016 pledge to modernize federal infrastructure.

The construction of the project will start in September 2025 and is slated for completion before the end of Trump’s era in January 2029.

One complete, the ballroom will mark the most significant White House expansion in over 70 years offering a permanent solution to a problem that has vexed administrations since Lincoln’s era.

Trump’s response

While at a White House’s event on July 31, 2025, Trump shared her viewpoint of this grand expansion, stating: “There's never been a President that's good at ballrooms.”

He added: “They've always had to get tents" for large events at the White House, which he described as a disaster. It's not a pretty sight.”

The 47th U.S. president has also mentioned the construction of the ballroom earlier this week during a Scotland meeting with European Council President Ursula Van der Leyen, telling her: “We're building a great ballroom at the White House.”

In 2016, while on the campaign trail during the administration of Barack Obama, Trump announced to contribute $100m for the construction of a new ballroom for the White House to host large events.