Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Trump team proposes $400M White House ballroom
President Trump's team wants to build a big new ballroom at the White House that costs $400 million.
They showed their plans to a group that helps decide what can be built in Washington D.C. The ballroom will be very large, about 22,000 square feet, and can fit around 1,000 people.
They also talked about maybe adding another floor to part of the West Wing to make the White House look more balanced.
Some people are worried this will change the historic look of the White House, but others think it's a good idea because the current buildings are old and need repairs.
The team says they need this new space to properly host important visitors, like kings and presidents from other countries.
Right now, big events are held in temporary tents.
The team wants to finish building the ballroom before Trump's time as president is over.
Trump's team proposed a $400 million ballroom at the White House, with plans discussed at a public meeting.
The ballroom would be 22,000 square feet and seat around 1,000 guests, with a total East Wing area of 89,000 square feet.
A one-storey addition to the West Wing is being considered to restore symmetry to the White House complex.
Preservation groups have criticized the project for potentially harming the historic character of the White House.
The White House submitted applications for formal clearance, with completion planned before Trump's term ends in three years.
- Who
- Donald Trump's team, including architect Shalom Baranes
- What
- Proposed $400 million ballroom and potential West Wing addition at the White House
- When
- Details discussed at a public meeting on Thursday, with completion planned before Trump's term ends in three years
- Where
- White House, Washington D.C.
- Why
- To host world leaders and address ageing infrastructure in the East Wing
- Project Cost
- $400 million
- Ballroom Size
- 22,000 square feet
- Ballroom Capacity
- 1,000 guests
- Total East Wing Area
- 89,000 square feet
- West Wing Addition
- One-storey addition considered
- Project Timeline
- Completion before Trump's term ends
- Preservation Concerns
- Criticism from preservation groups
- Legal Status
- Formal clearance needed for construction