• The White House will construct a new $200 million ballroom with a capacity of 650 guests.
• Construction will begin in September 2025, with completion expected before the end of Trump's term.
• The new ballroom addresses long-standing complaints about insufficient event space for state functions.
• Trump aims to eliminate the need for large tents currently used for larger gatherings.
• The project will involve modernizing the existing East Wing, which will be temporarily vacated during construction.

President Donald Trump plans to build a $200 million ballroom at the White House, fulfilling a long-held desire and addressing the need for larger event space. The construction is set to begin in September 2025 and aims to be completed before the end of Trump's term in January 2029. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced that the ballroom will have a capacity of 650 guests, significantly increasing from the East Room's current capacity of 200 guests, thus resolving the issue of relying on temporary tents for state dinners, which Trump has criticized as "unsightly."

Leavitt stated that the ballroom, situated where the East Wing currently stands, will span approximately 90,000 square feet. This marks a notable expansion in the White House's public event capabilities, which have not been significantly altered since the Truman balcony addition in 1948. The project will include collaborations with McCrery Architects for design, handled by Clark Construction and AECOM for engineering services. The funding will be from Trump, described as a "builder at heart," alongside other undisclosed donors.

Trump has long articulated his vision for a ballroom reminiscent of the lavish designs found in his properties like Mar-a-Lago and Turnberry, with reports suggesting that this effort will not only create a new venue for state dinners but also modernize the White House's infrastructure. Leavitt emphasized that the new ballroom will match the architectural heritage of the historic site, maintaining a consistent aesthetic while enhancing functionality.

The announcement of the ballroom comes as part of a broader trend of remodeling efforts Trump has undertaken since taking office, including significant alterations to the Oval Office and the Rose Garden. Trump's desire for a ballroom has persisted for years, with a previous offer of $100 million rejected by the Obama administration. Now, the project aims to meet the long-standing wishes of previous administrations for a grand space suitable for official receptions and alleviate the inconveniences associated with state-related gatherings.