Trump gives a glimpse of his $400M White House ballroom: 'Nothing like it anywhere in the World!'

Donald Trump shared digital renderings of the proposed WH ballroom on Truth Social, showcasing massive pillars as part of his renovation plans
Donald Trump defended the White House ballroom, saying it was essential for security after an alleged assassination attempt at the Correspondents' Dinner (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Donald Trump defended the White House ballroom, saying it was essential for security after an alleged assassination attempt at the Correspondents' Dinner (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump appears convinced that his proposed $400 million White House ballroom will be unlike anything the presidential residence has ever seen.

The 80-year-old president announced plans in July 2025 to build the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which could seat 1,000 guests, arguing that it would provide greater safety for large gatherings. 

As crews demolish the White House's East Wing to make way for the project, Trump has offered a sneak preview of the much-publicized and much-maligned ballroom by sharing a series of images.



Trump unveils White House ballroom renderings

The commander-in-chief, who has announced a series of renovation projects as part of his beautification campaign, took to Truth Social to share a flurry of images offering a closer look at the ballroom project.

The images, which appear to be digital renderings, show the White House transformed with massive pillars dominating its front facade. 

President Donald Trump tours Ballroom construction around the outside the White House, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump tours Ballroom construction around the outside the White House, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

A few staircases and a large platform are also visible, along with several "people" walking around the facility.

"Our Great National Security Facility and Ballroom is moving along on schedule," Trump posted. "When completed, there will be nothing like it anywhere in the World!"

He also shared close-up renderings showing ornate lion sculptures perched atop the building's towering columns.

Trump initially said he and a group of wealthy donors would foot the bill for the estimated $400 million ballroom. He later asked Congress to approve an additional $1 billion in taxpayer funding for related security upgrades.

Donald Trump holds up a rendering of the proposed White House ballroom (@WhiteHouse/X)
Donald Trump holds up a rendering of the proposed White House ballroom (@WhiteHouse/X)

Trump defends White House ballroom over security

As criticism mounted over the construction of the ballroom and the demolition of the East Wing, Trump defended the ambitious project, insisting it was necessary for security reasons.

"What happened last night is exactly the reason that our great Military, Secret Service, Law Enforcement and, for different reasons, every president for the last 150 years, have been DEMANDING that a large, safe, and secure Ballroom be built ON THE GROUNDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE," Trump said after he was targeted in another assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.



"This event would never have happened with the Militarily Top Secret Ballroom currently under construction at the White House. It cannot be built fast enough! While beautiful, it has every highest level security feature there is plus, there are no rooms sitting on top for unsecured people to pour in, and is inside the gates of the most secure building in the World, The White House," Trump said.

Trump previously maintained that the building would feature four-inch-thick windows and a drone base on the roof "to protect all of Washington." It would also extend six stories underground and include a military bunker.

Preservationists and opponents argue that Trump exceeded his authority when he demolished the historic East Wing, which housed the offices of the first lady and the White House movie theater, to make room for the structure.

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