President Trump announced the commencement of construction on a new, privately funded ballroom at the White House, declaring the project will cost “zero to the American taxpayer” and be paid for by “generous patriots, great American companies, and, yours truly.”
The planned 90,000-square-foot venue will be located within a reimagined East Wing and is designed to seat approximately 650 guests—nearly triple the capacity of the current East Room. Construction crews have begun demolition of parts of the East Wing to make way for the addition.
According to the White House, the estimated $250 million cost has been entirely underwritten by private donations, including major technology and defense firms, without the use of federal funds. The project represents the most substantial structural change to the executive mansion since the Truman era and is intended to host state dinners, official ceremonies, and large-scale events.