The White House has announced its upcoming plans for Donald Trump’s new ballroom, which is projected to have a significant cost of $400 million.
This new ballroom is designed to accommodate 650 people simultaneously and could become a nearly 90,000-square-foot extension to the executive mansion if it receives approval from the National Capital Planning Commission in March.
In October of last year, the president demolished the entire East Wing to make way for the ballroom, a move that sparked anger among political opponents.
At that time, no construction plans for the new structure had been submitted, making the situation even more unusual.
However, the White House has now released its most detailed plans for the White House ballroom, including images depicting potential views from various vantage points, such as the Capitol building, Jefferson Memorial, and other areas across the White House grounds.
Following the release of these plans, Trump took to Truth Social, stating: “Two views of the Great Ballroom being built on the site of our wonderful White House — It is on budget, and ahead of schedule! When completed, it will be the finest Ballroom ever built anywhere in the World, one that has been sought by Presidents for over 150 years — and now they are getting THE BEST!
“Because of its unprecedented structural, safety, and security features, it will also be used for future Presidential Inaugurations.”
Although the demolition of the East Wing was highly controversial, the Trump administration claims to have retained some materials from the demolished section to be used in the new ballroom construction.
Additionally, certain items discovered in the building will be incorporated into the new, costly structure.
“These items include, but are not limited to, the East Wing cornerstone and plaque, movie theater furniture, the East Colonnade columns, the Porte-cochere columns, interior wood paneling, chandeliers, historic windows and doors, and other hardware and fixtures,” the plan states.
“Our goal is to ensure that some of these items will be integrated into the new structure.”
The new ballroom will also include office space and a two-story colonnade, and is expected to match the height of the current executive residence within the White House premises.
Josh Fisher, director of White House management and administration, commented: “Demolition of the existing East Wing structure and reconstruction of a new East Wing provided the most effective solution to many longstanding issues affecting the White House and delivered the best long-term risk reduction.”
The initial budget for the East Wing project was $250 million, which later increased to $300 million. Now, the anticipated cost at completion is expected to reach an astounding $400 million.