Karoline Leavitt announced that a new 90,000 sq ft ballroom will be constructed at the White House starting in Sept. 2025

 

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

President Trump Personally Funds New 90,000 Sq Ft White House Ballroom, Construction Begins This Fall

Karoline Leavitt: “This is proof of how much President Trump loves America.”

Washington, D.C. — July 31, 2025
In a historic and bold move, President Donald J. Trump has announced the personal funding and construction of a massive new ballroom at the White House, a project set to begin in September 2025. The new 90,000 square foot East Wing addition will dramatically expand the capacity for state events and official gatherings, and is expected to cost up to $200 million — fully covered by private donations, including a significant contribution from President Trump himself.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered the announcement Thursday morning, praising Trump’s commitment to modernizing the nation’s most iconic residence.

“We are proud to announce that the construction of the new White House ballroom will begin this fall,” Leavitt said. “President Trump and other donors have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million dollar structure. This is proof of how much President Trump loves America. He does all of this for free.”

According to the official White House press release, the new White House State Ballroom will be "a much-needed and exquisite addition" that will increase seating capacity from 200 to 650, better accommodating official events, international summits, and high-level receptions. The space will be constructed by the renowned McCrery Architects, selected personally by the President.

Addressing a Longstanding Concern

The announcement comes after years of dissatisfaction from President Trump regarding the White House’s limited hosting capacity. In multiple private and public remarks, the President had expressed frustration with having to rely on outdoor tents for major state events due to the existing ballroom’s small size.

“The White House should reflect the greatness and hospitality of the American people,” Leavitt explained. “For too long, we’ve lacked the space to properly welcome foreign dignitaries and host cultural events in a way that represents our stature on the world stage.”

The new ballroom will serve not only as a functional expansion, but also as a symbol of American craftsmanship. According to renderings released by the White House, the design emphasizes classical architecture, intricate detailing, and flexible interior arrangements for both formal and ceremonial use.

Privately Funded, Publicly Inspired

The total estimated cost of $200 million will not be funded by taxpayers. The initiative is being financed by a private fund led by President Trump, with additional backing from philanthropic supporters.

Architectural work is already underway, and ground will be broken in September 2025. The construction is expected to be completed in phases, with a tentative finish date set for late 2027, depending on approvals and coordination with historic preservation authorities.

Public Reaction

Supporters hailed the announcement as a testament to Trump’s vision and patriotism.

“No one has done more for this country without taking a salary,” one senior administration official said. “This project exemplifies President Trump’s unmatched commitment to honoring America’s institutions while making them even greater.”

The ballroom project marks the first major structural addition to the White House since the Truman Balcony was constructed in the late 1940s.

As one social media post summed it up:
“He does this for free. He does it for America. And he does it with love.”

FAQs: New White House Ballroom Construction (2025)

1. What was announced about the White House Ballroom?

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that a new 90,000 sq ft ballroom will be constructed at the White House starting in September 2025. The project will be privately funded, with President Trump personally contributing a significant portion of the estimated $200 million cost.

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2. Why is the new ballroom being built?

President Trump has long expressed frustration with the limited event capacity inside the White House. The current space often required hosting world leaders in outdoor tents. The new ballroom will increase capacity from 200 to 650 guests and allow for larger, more formal events indoors year-round.

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3. Who is funding the ballroom construction?

The entire project will be privately funded, meaning no taxpayer dollars will be used. President Trump, along with private donors and supporters, is covering the cost, which is projected to be around $200 million.

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4. Who is designing the new ballroom?

The ballroom will be designed by McCrery Architects, a firm personally selected by President Trump. The design will reflect classical American architecture and be in line with the historic aesthetic of the White House.

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5. Where will the ballroom be located?

The new ballroom will be added to the East Wing of the White House complex. It will be the largest structural expansion of the White House since the construction of the Truman Balcony in the 1940s.

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6. When will construction begin and end?

Construction is set to begin in September 2025. While a final completion date has not been confirmed, the project is expected to be completed in phases, with estimated completion by late 2027, depending on preservation and planning approvals.

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7. How big will the new ballroom be?

The ballroom will be approximately 90,000 square feet, making it one of the largest event spaces ever constructed at the White House. It will accommodate up to 650 seated guests, a major upgrade from the current 200-guest limit.

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8. What is the public and political reaction?

Supporters have praised the project as an act of patriotism and generosity, emphasizing that Trump is building the space “for free” and “for America.” Critics have raised concerns about preserving the historic integrity of the White House, though architectural plans are being reviewed for compliance.

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9. Will the public be able to see the ballroom?

While the ballroom will primarily be used for state and official events, parts of it may be included in White House tours once construction is complete, subject to security and scheduling.

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10. Is this the first time a private individual has funded a White House expansion?

This is the first major structural addition to the White House to be privately funded, and one of the few times in U.S. history a sitting or former president has personally financed a project of this scale.