Planned White House Ballroom – May Cost Up to $400 Million š®
President Trump said Tuesday that the cost of the planned White House ballroom project may climb as high as $400 million, doubling the original estimate of $200 million announced earlier this year.
The president discussed the project at length while speaking at a Hanukkah reception at the White House, where he complained that existing event spaces are too limited and often require the administration to turn guests away.
āFor 150 years, theyāve wanted a ballroom,ā Trump told attendees. āAnd now weāre giving them one ā myself and donors, free of charge. Weāre donating a building thatās roughly $400 million. I think I can do it for less. I should do it for less. And I will.ā
Trump described the planned ballroom as a major upgrade that would be capable of hosting large-scale events, including presidential inaugurations. He highlighted its security features, noting that it would include five-inch-thick glass windows that he described as nearly impenetrable.
āIt will be the most beautiful ballroom,ā Trump said, adding criticism of those who oppose the project. āWho else in this country would try to block a $400 million ballroom?ā
The president also pointed out that a federal judge ruled Tuesday that construction could move forward, rejecting a request from a historic preservation group that sought to temporarily stop the project. The group had argued that Congress had not formally approved the construction plans.
The White House first announced the ballroom project in July, placing the cost at $200 million. As construction preparations advanced, Trump later said the estimate had risen to $300 million, and he now suggests the final cost could be even higher.
Despite the escalating price tag, Trump and his aides have emphasized that the ballroom will be paid for by private donors, not taxpayer funds. Critics, however, argue that allowing wealthy individuals or corporations to finance White House renovations could create opportunities for donors to gain influence or access to the administration.