Trump says construction of White House ballroom underway

President Donald Trump announced Monday that as part of the modernization of the East Wing, construction has begun on the new, privately financed White House Ballroom, a long-anticipated addition designed to host state visits and large gatherings.

“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken for the construction of the new, grand and beautiful Ballroom at the White House,” Trump said in a statement to Truth Social. “The East Wing, which is completely separate from the White House, is being fully modernized as part of this process and will be more beautiful than ever when completed!

“For over 150 years, every President has dreamed of having a Ballroom in the White House to host people for large parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally bring this much-needed project to life at zero cost to the American Taxpayers!” he continued. “The White House Ballroom is privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Corporations, and your company. This Ballroom will be happily used for generations to come!”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a July briefing that construction on the new ballroom, valued at an estimated $200 million, would begin in September and “will be completed well before the end of President Trump’s term.”

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His announcement follows a similar gesture earlier this year, when Trump personally financed the installation of two 28-foot American flags on either side of the White House, reportedly costing about $50,000 each.

Speaking at the time, Leavitt said, “The White House cannot currently host large ceremonies honoring world leaders in other countries without having to set up a large, ugly tent about 100 feet from the entrance to the main building,” Leavitt said, adding that the new ballroom would be a “much-needed and excellent addition.”

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McCrery Architects rendering of the new ballroom exterior provided by the White House. (White House)

He also said the U.S. Secret Service would provide necessary security improvements and changes during construction.

The project is intended to provide a dedicated space to host official events, state dinners and large ceremonial gatherings.

TRUMP APPEARED ON THE ROOF OF THE WHITE HOUSE ABOUT HISTORIC RENOVATIONS

McCrery Architects rendering of the new ballroom provided by the White House. (White House)

The new 90,000-square-foot addition will seat approximately 650 seated guests and remain true to the classic design of the White House.

The White House does not have a formal ballroom, and the new ballroom will replace the current East Wing of the White House.

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Trump chose McCrery Architects to design the project; Clark Construction will manage the construction and AECOM will provide engineering support.

Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report.