Construction has begun on former President Donald Trump’s $250 million White House ballroom, with crews demolishing parts of the East Wing. The project has sparked widespread criticism, including from former lawmakers who called it an “utter desecration.”
Trump announced on his Truth Social account that “ground has been broken on the White House” for the new ballroom. He said the project is privately funded by generous donors, American companies, and himself, claiming it comes at no cost to taxpayers.
During a ceremony honoring the NCAA champion Louisiana State University baseball team, Trump pointed to ongoing construction, saying, “you might hear [noise] periodically.” He described the ballroom as “the most beautiful in the country” and emphasized his personal involvement in overseeing the project.
Plans for the 90,000 sq ft ballroom, which will seat up to 650 people, were first revealed in July. Trump promised it would be “top of the line” and completed quickly, without interfering with the existing White House structure. The construction is expected to finish before the end of Trump’s second term in January 2029.
Earlier this month, Trump hosted a donor dinner at the White House to celebrate the project. Guests reportedly included executives from Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Palantir, and Lockheed Martin. During the event, Trump showcased where the ballroom would be built, claiming the venue would feature bulletproof glass, accommodate up to 1,000 guests, and even host a presidential inauguration.
Critics have raised concerns about the timing and cost of the project. The United States is currently in the 20th day of a government shutdown, and critics point to rising wealth and income inequality while $250 million is spent on what some call a “vanity project.” Former Republican congressman Joe Walsh called the construction an “utter desecration” and joked he would invite Americans to help tear it down. Human rights lawyer Qasim Rashid criticized the expenditure, highlighting the contrast with economic inequality.
Democratic congressman Mark Takano has proposed legislation to prevent federal funds from being used for White House renovations during government shutdowns unless related to health or safety. The project has also drawn attention online, with social media users debating the cost and necessity of the ballroom.
Photos from multiple sources, including the Washington Post and New York Post, show sections of the East Wing torn down and heavy machinery at work. The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the ongoing demolition.
Trump previously claimed the new structure would respect the current White House, saying it would be “near it but not touching it” and that he is “the biggest fan” of the historic building. The ballroom will be one of the largest projects at the White House in over a century.
