The White House announced Thursday it is preparing to build a 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom at the Executive Residence. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and the project carries a projected cost of $200 million
According to the White House, the project will be financed privately by President Donald Trump and other donors and is intended to enhance the mansion’s capacity for formal events. The new venue will replace the current East Wing, which houses offices including those of the First Lady, and will expand seating capacity from about 200 in the East Room to roughly 650 guests.
“President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail,” said White House chief of staff Susie Wiles in a statement.
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“The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come.”
The move led to widespread backlash online, with many users on social media platforms criticizing the decision to fund a lavish ballroom while essential public services faced cuts.
Democratic strategist Adam Parkomenko wrote on the social platform X: "So now Trump wants to turn the White House into Mar-a-Lago: DC Edition. A 90,000 square foot addition dripping in gold, chandeliers, and the subtle scent of overdue court dates."
John Jackson, a U.S. veteran of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, wrote: "Between this and his reconstruction of the Rose Garden, he sure isn’t acting like a guy that’s gonna leave in 3 1/2 years. Just sayin.’"
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Activist Rose Benson said: "Imagine denying kids afterschool programs and firing park rangers, only to put a new gigantic ballroom in the house you’re living in for a few years."
Political commentator Brian Cohen wrote: "Trump during the campaign: We will get your costs down-- groceries and rent and housing are too expensive. Today: Actually, I'm building myself a $200 million ballroom."
"It was never about saving money. To retrofit Trumps $400M bribe plane will cost taxpayers $1B Now they want to waste more taxpayer money on building ballroom for the White House. EXPLAIN TO ME HOW THIS FRIVOLOUS B------- IS LOWERING INFLATION, GAS AND GROCERY PRICES?!" wrote a Democratic influencer.
"*Runs on a platform to cut unnecessary spending* oh btw we’re building a massive ballroom because that’s what the American people need. name it after Trump for all the fake gold they use," wrote a user.
Another X user wrote: "What’s the taxpayer cost? Anyone know?"
"He wants to turn the White House into a Trump resort," tweeted a user.