U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the cost of the proposed new White House ballroom could reach as high as US$400 million, a figure that has doubled from initial projections. The revelation came during a Hanukkah reception on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, where Trump also stated the facility would be designed to host presidential inaugurations.
Escalating Costs and Expanding Scale
The estimated price tag for the ballroom has seen a steady and significant climb. The project was initially pegged at around US$200 million, but has since escalated to the president's latest estimate of $400 million. Concurrently, the physical scale of the project has expanded dramatically.
Originally described as an addition that would not interfere with the existing structure, the plan ultimately led to the complete demolition of the historic East Wing. Construction is currently underway on the site. Reports indicate President Trump has clashed with architects over the ambitions for the project, which is now poised to overshadow the size of the current White House residence and the West Wing, home to the Oval Office.
A Multi-Purpose "Impenetrable" Venue
President Trump positioned the ballroom as a long-overdue enhancement and a practical solution for major state events. "For 150 years, they wanted a ballroom," Trump remarked, noting the current space limits for large receptions. He emphasized its future role, stating, "It'll be the most beautiful ballroom, and it'll handle inaugurations."
The president argued that holding inaugurations at the traditional site, the U.S. Capitol, presents weather and safety challenges. "From a safety standpoint, we can do better," he said. He touted the security features of the design, including 5-inch-thick glass windows he described as "impenetrable by anything but a howitzer."
Funding and Legal Challenges Raise Questions
The White House has stated that the massive project is being financed through private donations. However, the administration has not publicly disclosed the sources of these funds. This lack of transparency has raised questions about which individuals or corporations might be contributing and whether they seek to gain favour with the president.
The construction continues amid legal scrutiny. Earlier on Tuesday, a federal judge overseeing a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation declined to issue an order to halt the work while court proceedings continue, as reported by CNN. President Trump responded to the decision, saying, "I thank the judge in the case for the courage in making the proper decision."
Despite the soaring cost estimate, President Trump predicted the project would ultimately be completed under budget. As work progresses on the South Lawn, the ballooning price and opaque financing of the new White House ballroom ensure it remains a topic of significant debate and controversy.
