Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Trump defends $400M White House ballroom amid lawsuit
Donald Trump is defending his plan to build a new, very expensive ballroom at the White House.
He says it will cost between $300 million and $400 million, but all the money is coming from private donors, not taxpayers.
Trump argues that the White House needs a permanent, secure space for big events like state dinners and inaugurations, instead of using temporary tents.
He also says the military and Secret Service have approved the project and that construction materials have already been ordered, making it too late to stop.
A group called the National Trust for Historic Preservation is suing to block the project, but Trump criticizes them for not acting sooner and says presidents have the authority to make changes to the White House without permission.
Trump defends $300M-$400M White House ballroom funded entirely by private donors.
Project aims to replace temporary tents for large state events with a permanent, secure venue.
Trump claims military and Secret Service approval and that construction materials are already ordered.
National Trust for Historic Preservation sues to block the project, drawing Trump's criticism.
Trump argues presidents have broad authority to modify the White House without permission.
- Who
- Donald Trump, National Trust for Historic Preservation
- What
- Construction of a new White House ballroom
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- White House, Washington D.C.
- Why
- To address need for a permanent, secure venue for large state events
- Project Cost
- $300 million to $400 million
- Funding Source
- Private funds
- Project Purpose
- Permanent venue for large state events
- Opponent
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Trump's Claim
- Project has military and Secret Service approval