Trump’s White House ballroom plan sparks outrage

President Donald Trump’s plan to build a $200 million ballroom at the White House is stirring backlash from critics who see it as an extravagant attempt to cement his legacy. Supporters argue it’s a long-overdue upgrade, while opponents question the priorities behind the move.

The construction 

According to the White House, the ballroom construction will begin in September, with the entire cost covered by Trump and private donors. In addition to the ballroom, Trump is also ordering renovations to the White House Rose Garden, including paving the area to make it easier for guests to navigate during events. “When it rains, it’s a disaster — and the tent’s 100 yards [away]. That’s more than a football field away from the main entrance,” Trump said of the current setup. “And people are schlepping down to the tent — it’s not a pretty sight. The women with their lovely evening gowns, their hair all done, and they’re a mess by the time they get [there].” 

Trump’s response 

Trump has defended the ballroom project as both necessary and overdue. ​​“I always said I was going to do something about the ballroom because they should have one,” he recently told reporters. “So we’ll be leaving it, it will be a great legacy project. And, I think it will be special.” When asked if taxpayer money would be used, Trump was forward, insisting, “No, government dollars, no.”

Construction timeline

The 90,000-square-foot event space will be constructed near the East Wing of the White House, with plans to complete it before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029. Trump envisions the ballroom being used for state dinners, business gatherings and large ceremonial functions — both during his presidency and beyond. “We’ve been planning it for a long time,” Trump said. “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years. There’s never been a president that was good at ballrooms. I’m really good.” 

Critics respond

Despite White House assurances, the project has sparked strong reactions from critics, particularly among Democrats. “This is what DOGE was all about, folks,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, referring to Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. “Cutting things from you, and giving it not to some place that needed it, giving it to the big shots who run the show, Donald Trump at the top of the list.” The White House responded to criticism in a statement to The Hill, defending the project as fulfilling a historic request. “As President Trump has said, for over 150 years, many presidents, administrations, and staff have all wanted a ballroom, and now we have a president who will accomplish building it.” 

The post Trump’s White House ballroom plan sparks outrage appeared first on Knewz.