WATCH: Trump calls planned White House ballroom ‘a gift’ to U.S.
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-05-19 15:17:00 — www.pbs.org
President Donald Trump recently showcased the construction of a new ballroom at the White House, which is being built on the site of the former East Wing. During a visit to the construction site, Trump defended the project, which has faced challenges in Congress, including a request for $1 billion in taxpayer funding for security enhancements.
Trump emphasized the unique features of the ballroom, stating, “There will never be another building like this built, that I can tell you.” He highlighted its security measures, including a “dead flat” roof made of “very strong steel” that is “drone-proof.” He explained that the roof is designed to protect Washington, D.C., and that the military will monitor the area.
Despite the project’s ambitious scope, including a ballroom capable of hosting 1,000 people and extensive underground facilities, Trump insisted that the $400 million cost would be covered by donors, including himself. “This is not going to be paid for by the taxpayer,” he asserted, calling it “a gift to the United States of America.” However, public opinion appears to be against the project, with a recent poll indicating that 56% of Americans oppose the demolition of the East Wing for the ballroom.
Trump acknowledged that he would have “very little” time to use the ballroom, as it is expected to be completed in September 2028, shortly before the end of his term. He stated, “This is really for other presidents,” sidestepping questions about additional funding if Congress rejects the request.
In addition to the ballroom, Trump mentioned other beautification efforts in Washington, including the restoration of park fountains and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, claiming to do so at a lower cost than previous administrations.