Trump Breaks Ground on New $250 Million Ballroom at the White House

Wed Oct 22 2025 08:55:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Construction has commenced on a grand ballroom at the White House, projected to host 999 guests, amid heavy criticism and public speculation about funding sources.

President Donald Trump has started construction on a $250 million ballroom at the White House, set to dwarf traditional spaces. Despite initial claims of no demolition, work on the East Wing facade has begun. Trump insists that no taxpayer dollars will fund the project, relying on private donations, notably including a $22 million settlement from YouTube. Critics raise concerns over changes made to historic presidential spaces.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction has officially begun on a $250 million ballroom that President Donald Trump is adding to the White House. Work commenced with crews starting to demolish part of the East Wing, despite initial assurances that no such demolition would take place during the project.

The ballroom, which is set to accommodate 999 guests, will reportedly be almost twice the size of the main White House itself. Trump confirmed on social media that private donations will fund the construction, declaring that not a single taxpayer dollar would be spent.

As construction proceeds, public scrutiny has intensified over the funding sources, with some critics questioning the ethics of involving private donors in state projects. Notably, a $22 million contribution from YouTube stems from a prior legal dispute involving the platform.

Amid this leave, Trump advocates for the ballroom, arguing that the existing East Room, which hosts around 200 guests, is inadequate for state events.

Funding and Legal Concerns

The specific details of donor contributions have yet to be fully disclosed, with critiques aimed at the lack of transparency. Moreover, Trump has faced backlash regarding the legality of starting this project without sign-off from the National Capital Planning Commission.

Changes to Historic Spaces

Critics raise concerns about the ongoing renovations and the impact on the historic integrity of the White House. The East Wing has traditionally served as a welcoming space for guests and tourists, and many express worry about the future of these historic areas amidst modern expansions.

Final Thoughts

As the project unfolds, questions loom over its completion timeline and implications for the White House's architectural legacy. The administration has assured that the ballroom will be finished by the end of Trump's second term in January 2029. With such a significant undertaking, it remains intriguing how it will all come together while addressing both public sentiment and historical preservation.