From Newsweek · · 2m
Trump shows off his gold White House ballroom
The first interior renderings of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom are out, and the fight over who pays is far from settled.
In brief
The first interior renderings of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom are out, and the fight over who pays is far from settled. Trump says the ballroom costs taxpayers nothing, but federal money from the Secret Service and other offices has already been redirected to it. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Gold from floor to ceiling
Trump posted the first interior renderings of his new White House ballroom on Truth Social. Crystal chandeliers, golden marble floors and gilded neoclassical ceilings run through the main room and a long approach corridor.
“First interior renderings of the magnificent new Ballroom at the White House.”
The East Wing is gone
The 90,000-square-foot ballroom replaces the East Wing, demolished last October. The administration had earlier said the new construction would not touch existing structures.
Historians pushed back hard
Preservationists, historians and the public objected to the history lost with the building. The anger turned into lawsuits asking whether a president can reshape the grounds without Congress.
The Supreme Court let it proceed
Five justices voted in late August to let construction continue, lifting lower court orders that had stopped it. Chief Justice Roberts joined the three liberal justices in dissent.
“construction is likely unlawful”
Why Trump says he needs it
He argues the East Room caps out at 200 people, too small for state dinners and large gatherings. He has also framed the project as a matter of national security.
The price keeps climbing
The July 2025 estimate of $200 million became $400 million, and some now put it above $600 million. Trump calls it a gift to the country from himself and other donors.
“It is a Gift to the U.S.A. from me and other American Patriots.”
Taxpayer money went in anyway
In June, reporting showed more than $350 million in federal funds was redirected to the ballroom. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark itemized $155 million from the Secret Service, $149 million from the White House Military Office and $3 million from the Executive Residence.
“No Taxpayer Dollars will be expended in its Construction.”
Gilding everywhere else too
The Oval Office walls and door gained gold trim, the Palm Room lost its tiles for marble and a chandelier, and the West Wing colonnade now holds a Presidential Walk of Fame. The Rose Garden lawn is a paved patio.
The essence
Trump says the ballroom costs taxpayers nothing, but federal money from the Secret Service and other offices has already been redirected to it.
