Bill Maher says Trump’s White House makeover signals his plans beyond second term

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Speculation has continued to swirl about President Donald Trump’s possible bid for a third term. Talk show host Bill Maher recently joined the discussion, hinting that Trump might once again find his way back to the White House after his second term.

Maher believes the demolition of the East Wing to create a lavish new ballroom indicates Trump’s intentions for a possible third presidency. According to Maher, tearing down the East Wing is proof that "he's not leaving.” 'The Real Time' host made this observation on Friday, October 24.

Bill Maher links Trump’s White House ballroom project to third-term speculation

During a discussion on 'Real Time With Bill Maher' with former RNC chair Michael Steele and former President Joe Biden’s communications director Kate Bedingfield, the host and his guests weighed in on Donald Trump’s White House renovations for the new ballroom project.

Maher told the panel, “The symbolism is he's not leaving,” adding, “Who puts in a giant ballroom if you’re leaving?” He also downplayed the criticism by calling the White House “just a building.” He reminded the panel that Trump isn’t the first president to reshape the White House.

Speaking about the renovations, he said, “The part of the building wasn't always there, presidents do change the buildings.” He noted that criticism over the East Wing demolition overlooks historical precedent. He continued, “Nixon put a bowling alley, Obama made the tennis court a basketball court,” adding, “I can't get this mad about everything.”

This isn’t the first time Maher has acknowledged President Trump’s accomplishments. On Monday, October 13, the comedian appeared on his 'Club Random' podcast with actor William H Macy, where he highlighted Trump’s achievements.

During the conversation, Maher told Macy, “I always say this - you cannot ever deny success. You just have to give your respect even if it’s not your thing.” He added, “Have the humility to give it up for enormous success on any level. Trump - not my choice, didn’t vote for him… and he’s I, can’t deny the success.”

As for Trump’s potential third presidential term, no official statement has been made, but speculation continues as supporters anticipate his ongoing influence in politics. 

Trump’s $350M White House ballroom blends luxury and history

Trump’s plan to build a ballroom at the White House is set to transform the historic residence. The ballroom, spanning around 90,000 square feet, will hold nearly 1,000 guests, far more than the current East Room, which accommodates about 200. Inspired by the luxury of Mar-a-Lago, the ballroom will feature crystal chandeliers, gilded columns, and gold inlays.

Architectural renderings show a careful balance of classical and modern design, ensuring that the new space blends effortlessly with the White House’s historic architecture, as per Daily Mail. A glass bridge will connect the ballroom to the main building, keeping the original structure intact while providing easy access.

Architectural renderings show a careful balance of classical and modern design, ensuring that the new space blends effortlessly with the White House’s historic architecture, as per Daily Mail. A glass bridge will connect the ballroom to the main building, keeping the original structure intact while providing easy access.

The $350 million project is being fully funded privately, with contributions from President Trump, his associates, and major companies such as Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Palantir Technologies. The private funding ensures that the renovations are completed without using taxpayer money. 

Construction began in September 2025, including the demolition of the East Wing, which had housed the first lady’s offices and other facilities since 1902. The project is expected to be completed before the end of Trump’s second term in January 2029, as per AP News.