President Donald Trump gave an update on renovations to the White House ballroom currently under construction while speaking to reporters on Monday, saying that “we’re under budget and ahead of schedule” while adding that the ballroom is “bigger than I told you.”
Newsweek has reached out to the White House via email for additional information.
Why It Matters
The project marks significant change to the White House’s exterior, inviting debate about the stewardship of national landmarks, the balance of tradition and modernization, and the extent of presidential authority in altering federally protected sites.
With a projected $400 million cost and claims of no taxpayer burden, the ballroom’s construction has ignited scrutiny from some lawmakers, preservationists, and the public over its legacy and funding transparency.
What To Know
The new ballroom is set to be in the East Wing. Initial White House statements projected a cost of $200 million, however Trump told reporters earlier this month that the price tag has risen to $400 million. The administration maintains that private funding, including alleged donations from Trump and others will cover all costs, placing no burden on taxpayers.
Trump told NBC News in September that the planned ballroom will have a capacity of 900 people, up from initial estimates of 650, making it nearly 40 percent larger than first described. “We’re making it a little bigger. It will be top of the line, as good as it can get anywhere in the world,” he said in a phone interview with the outlet.
While speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said, “I’m doing a magnificent, big, beautiful ballroom that the country has wanted, the White House has wanted for 150 years.”
Trump later said: “We’re under budget and ahead of schedule. Now…It’s bigger than I told you…after realizing we’re going to do the inauguration in that building. It’s got all bulletproof glass, it’s got all drone, they call it drone-free roof. Drones won’t touch it…It’s a big beautiful safe building.”
It’s unclear at the time of publication if Trump was referencing the “bigger” update announced in September or if this is an additional update.
What People Are Saying
The White House wrote on X in October: “For over 100 years, presidents have enhanced the White House, preserving its legacy as a symbol of our nation. Today, President Trump proudly broke ground on the new, big White House Ballroom. Privately funded, it costs taxpayers nothing & will be cherished for generations.”
Representative Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, wrote on X earlier this month: “The White House is not private property. It does not belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to the people. I’m introducing legislation to protect the building’s historic character against the president’s bulldozer and Marie Antoinette ballroom.”
What Happens Next
Legal and public scrutiny over the scope, cost, and legacy of the White House ballroom project is expected to continue as construction progresses.
