Trump says White House ballroom construction is ahead of schedule and under budget
WASHINGTON, DC: This week, President Donald Trump gave an update on his White House ballroom project.
He told reporters the big project’s not just moving fast; it’s actually under budget and ahead of schedule.
Trump also shared some new details about how big this addition really is and what it’ll include.
Trump: I'm doing a magnificent, big, beautiful ballroom… we're under budget and ahead of schedule. Now. It's bigger than I told you…after realizing we're going to do the inauguration in that building pic.twitter.com/IMrQONqJM9
— Acyn (@Acyn) December 29, 2025
Trump once again boasts about the size of the ballroom
Trump gave an update on renovations to the White House ballroom, which is currently under construction, while speaking to reporters on Monday, December 29, saying that "we're under budget and ahead of schedule" while adding that the ballroom is "bigger than I told you."
He also told reporters the new ballroom in the White House’s East Wing is turning out bigger than he initially expected.
He pointed out some of the high-tech additions, like bulletproof glass and a roof built to keep out drones.
Trump said things are moving along smoothly and made it clear he thinks this project will leave a lasting mark on the White House.
On the safety measures, he added, “Drones won’t touch it. It’s a big, beautiful, safe building.”
The Palm Room, which connects the White House Residence to the West Colonnade, was previously furnished with plants, green benches, and a tile floor.
— Charles Green (@C_L_Green) December 28, 2025
In September, Trump refinished the room with a new chandelier and a white marble floor.
I'm sorry it looks much better.
Every… pic.twitter.com/52tMUrvSFp
The most ambitious change to White House in a long time
The project marks a significant change to the White House, inviting debate about the stewardship of national landmarks, the balance of tradition and modernization.
The White House ballroom renovation stands out as one of the biggest changes the place has seen in years.
At first, the project was supposed to cost $200 million, but now reports say it’s closer to $400 million, about double what people expected.
Trump and his team claim that the taxpayers won’t have to foot the bill. They insist private donors, including some business leaders and Trump himself, are covering the costs.
Trump told NBC News in September that the planned ballroom will have a capacity of 900 people, up from initial estimates of 650, making it nearly 40 percent larger than first described.
“We’re making it a little bigger. It will be top of the line, as good as it can get anywhere in the world,” he said in a phone interview with the outlet.
The White House wrote on X in October: "For over 100 years, presidents have enhanced the White House, preserving its legacy as a symbol of our nation. Today, President Trump proudly broke ground on the new, big White House Ballroom. Privately funded, it costs taxpayers nothing & will be cherished for generations."
Trump’s remarks this week reinforced that the renovation is progressing well and highlighted his ongoing personal investment in altering and expanding the White House footprint.
