President Donald Trump will begin building a brand-new ballroom at the White House this September.
The $200 million project, announced by the White House on Thursday, will be one of the largest updates to the mansion since President Harry Truman’s renovation in 1952.
The new ballroom will be built next to the East Wing and is expected to be completed before Trump’s term ends in January 2029. It will cover 90,000 square feet and seat up to 650 guests. The cost will be paid for by Trump and private donors.
President Trump has long said the White House needs a large space for official parties and events. Right now, presidents use the East Room or put up tents on the South Lawn. “When it rains, it’s a disaster,” Trump said.
Trump, who was a real estate developer before becoming president, has already made several changes to the White House. He added gold decorations to the Oval Office and replaced the Rose Garden’s grass with a concrete patio.
He also tried to build a White House ballroom once before. In 2010, he offered to donate a $100 million ballroom to President Obama, but the idea wasn’t accepted.
During the construction, offices in the East Wing will be moved. Officials say the new ballroom will match the style of the historic White House.
“It’ll be a great legacy project,” Trump said.
