In a recent briefing at the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced plans for a new, large ballroom. This “exquisite addition,” as she described it, will span approximately 90,000 square feet (8,360 square meters) and will have the capacity to seat 650 people. The current venue for most formal events, the East Room, can only accommodate around 200 guests. According to Leavitt, construction is expected to be completed well before the end of President Trump’s term in January 2029. She also stated that the project would be financed by the president and other donors, though she did not provide further details. The renderings show the ballroom will be architecturally consistent with the rest of the mansion. Leavitt mentioned that the new ballroom would be built on the site of the “East Wing,” which she said would be “modernized.”
This new construction is part of a long history of expansions and renovations at the White House. Experts note that the building has continuously been adapted to meet the evolving needs of the nation’s chief executive. Construction began in 1792, and President John Adams was the first to occupy it in 1800. After being burned by British forces in 1814, it was rebuilt, and additions like the South and North Porticos were made in 1824 and 1829, respectively.
Significant changes in the 20th century included President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1902 decision to relocate presidential offices to a new West Wing and expand the State Dining Room. William Howard Taft further expanded the West Wing and created the first Oval Office in 1909. Harry Truman undertook a major internal reconstruction between 1945 and 1953, while John F. Kennedy and his wife focused on historical preservation. Later presidents, such as Richard Nixon, added a bowling alley and upgraded the Situation Room. Bill Clinton made technological advancements, and Barack Obama installed Wi-Fi and a basketball court.
The timing of the new ballroom’s announcement is notable. President Trump has recently criticized the Federal Reserve’s costly $2.5 billion renovation project, accusing Chairman Jay Powell of financial mismanagement.
