Archive · 26 Dec 2025
White House to present East Wing ballroom plans in January
The White House is planning to build a very big new ballroom where the old East Wing used to be.
This ballroom will be much bigger than the rest of the White House.
The president, Donald Trump, wants to make the White House and the city of Washington, D.C. look nicer for a big celebration next year.
Some people and groups don't like this plan because they think it's too big and will change the look of the historic White House.
They are trying to stop the building, but so far, they haven't been successful.
The White House will show more details about the plan in January.
The White House will present plans for a new East Wing ballroom on January 8, 2026.
The ballroom, costing $400 million, will be 90,000 square feet, dwarfing the 55,000 square feet White House.
Preservationists are suing to halt construction, arguing the ballroom would significantly alter the historic property.
The National Capital Planning Commission will review the project in the spring, allowing public comments.
President Trump has taken a hands-on role in the project, aiming to enhance the White House and Washington, D.C. ahead of the Declaration of Independence's 250th anniversary.
- Who
- President Donald Trump, National Capital Planning Commission, National Trust for Historic Preservation
- What
- Plans for a new East Wing ballroom at the White House
- When
- January 8, 2026 (presentation), October 2025 (demolition of former East Wing)
- Where
- White House, Washington, D.C.
- Why
- To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and to 'spruce up' the White House and U.S. capital city
- Project Cost
- $400 million
- Ballroom Size
- 90,000 square feet (8,360 square meters)
- White House Size
- 55,000 square feet
- Presentation Date
- January 8, 2026
- Commission Chair
- Will Scharf
- Opposing Organization
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
