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Fetterman Backs Trump’s Privately Funded White House Ballroom as September Start Nears

Democrats question authority, donor influence as the $200 million, 650-seat East Wing addition moves forward.

Overview

  • Sen. John Fetterman said the planned ballroom would be “tasteful” and “historical,” calling the upgrade “pretty normal.”
  • The White House says the project will be funded by President Trump and private donors, with work beginning in September and finishing well before his term ends.
  • Design and build teams named by the White House include McCrery Architects, Clark Construction, and AECOM for engineering.
  • The addition is described as roughly 90,000 square feet with seating for about 650, intended to replace reliance on distant outdoor tents for major state events.
  • Critics such as Sen. Richard Blumenthal warn of a “boondoggle” and potential donor sway, while Sen. Chris Coons questions legal authority and timeline claims as Republicans including Sen. Ted Cruz praise the no-taxpayer-cost plan.