President Donald Trump is expanding the White House with new ballroom construction set to begin in September.
The White House State Ballroom will be an exquisite addition of approximately 90,000 total square feet of ornately designed and carefully crafted space, with a seated capacity of 650 people. The Trump administration said it will be a significant increase from the 200-person seated capacity in the East Room of the White House.
President Trump said that he and other donors have committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million dollar structure. The United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications.
The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but the theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical. The site of the new ballroom will be where the East Wing currently sits. The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and has been renovated and changed many times, with a second story added in 1942.
President Trump’s administration said it is a needed project because the White House, one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries “without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance.”
President Trump’s administration announced McCrery Architects as lead architect. “Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman,” CEO Jim McCrery said. “I am honored that President Trump has entrusted me to help bring this beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House, while preserving the elegance of its classical design and historical importance.”
The construction team will be headed by Clark Construction, and the engineering team will be led by AECOM.
The project will begin in September 2025, and it is expected to be completed before the end of President Trump’s term.
“President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail,” White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said. “The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations 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.”
