White House announces construction of grand ballroom: To be funded by Trump and other donors

The Trump administration confirmed construction of a large Ballroom for the White House. The ballroom will cost about $200 million and will be entirely funded by President Donald Trump and a group of interested donors. They called the construction "necessary and exquisite," given the current need to deploy a tent for state dinners and other major events.

White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, shared photos and provided details about the work, which is expected to be completed before the end of the president's term. To define the final details of the project, the president met with staff from the White House, the National Park Service, the White House Military Office and the Secret Service.

As for the location, it will be separate from the main building, where the East Wing is currently located. The space will be modernized and its offices will be relocated during construction.

Leavitt specified that the funding will come exclusively from Trump and other donors committed to the hall. Specifically, it will have 90,000 square feet of usable space and seating for about 650 people, 200 more than the White House East Room.

"The White House state ballroom will be a much needed and exquisite addition of 90,000 square feet," the press secretary said, stressing that it will replace the use of "large, unsightly marquee" for holding state dinners and other events.

The president chose McCrery Architects as the lead architect for the project. "Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman. I am honored that President Trump has entrusted me to help bring this beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House, while preserving the elegance of its classical design and historical importance," said Jim McCrery, the firm's chief executive officer.

In addition, the construction team will be led by Clark Construction and the engineering team by AECOM.

"The president and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving 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," said Susie Wiles, chief of staff, in this regard.