Karoline Leavitt Details $200M Ballroom Plans at White House

In a stunning announcement Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt unveiled plans for the construction of a new ballroom at the White House. The $200 million project is set to begin in September, with plans to modernize the East Wing and create a 90,000 square foot space designed to accommodate large events such as state dinners.

Leavitt, detailing the project during a press briefing, explained that the ballroom would be built adjacent to the White House where the East Wing currently resides. The East Wing’s offices will be relocated temporarily during the construction process. Once completed, the ballroom will feature a seating capacity for up to 650 guests, eliminating the need for the “large and unsightly tent” that has traditionally been used for hosting major state functions.

“The White House state ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition,” Leavitt said, emphasizing the scale and importance of the project. The ballroom is intended to become a centerpiece for formal events at the White House, offering a permanent solution to the temporary venues used in the past.

The funding for the $200 million project will be covered by President Trump and other unnamed donors, the White House confirmed. This marks a significant departure from previous administrations, as Trump has made it clear that he is personally involved in the initiative, along with backing from private contributors.

Leavitt added that the ballroom is expected to be completed before the end of Trump’s second term in January 2029. The project is also said to have been discussed in recent weeks with agencies such as the National Park Service and the Secret Service to ensure the White House’s historical integrity is maintained during construction.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles released a statement in support of the project, stressing the administration’s commitment to preserving the historical significance of the White House while introducing modern enhancements. “The president and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserve 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,” Wiles said.

Trump’s desire for changes to the White House, including the addition of a ballroom, has been a topic of conversation in recent months. Notably, the grass in the Rose Garden was recently replaced with stone pavers, signaling a broader effort to update and modernize the White House grounds.

Interestingly, the idea of a White House ballroom is not a new one for Trump. In 2016, Obama White House officials confirmed that Trump had offered to build a $100 million ballroom at the White House, although the proposal was not seriously considered at the time.

As construction for the new ballroom progresses, it will undoubtedly be a subject of both praise and criticism, reflecting the ongoing dynamic between Trump’s vision for the White House and the broader public’s expectations.