Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Trump Administration Cites National Security for White House Ballroom
The Trump administration is building a big new ballroom at the White House where the East Wing used to be.
They say it's important for national security and the Secret Service needs it.
A group called the National Trust for Historic Preservation doesn't agree and wants the project to stop until it goes through more reviews.
The administration says they will share secret details with the judge but not with the group.
The ballroom is very big and expensive, and some people are upset about it.
The court is deciding what to do.
The Trump administration claims the White House ballroom construction is necessary for national security and Secret Service requirements.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit to halt the project until it undergoes multiple reviews and congressional approval.
The project, estimated at USD 300 million, involves demolishing the East Wing and building a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
Above-grade construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with completion expected by 2029.
The administration offered to share classified details with the judge but not with the plaintiffs.
- Who
- Donald Trump administration and the National Trust for Historic Preservation
- What
- Construction of a White House ballroom
- When
- Ongoing, with above-grade construction starting April 2026
- Where
- Washington, D.C., where the East Wing once stood
- Why
- Trump administration cites national security and Secret Service requirements
- Project Cost
- USD 300 million
- Project Size
- 90,000-square-foot
- Project Timeline
- Completion by 2029
- Opposing Organization
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Government Response
- Offered to share classified details with the judge
