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3w ago

White House Ballroom Expansion to Begin in September as Tours Are Paused

The 90,000 sq ft project funded by private donors has prompted agencies to redesign visitor routes as 47% of Americans disapprove.

The East Wing of the White House on November 8, 2023 in Washington, DC.
In this December 2021 photo, people make their way through the East Colonnade of the East Wing of the White House in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • Construction on the new State Ballroom adjacent to the East Wing is set to break ground in September and finish before President Trump’s term ends in 2029.
  • The $200 million addition will be entirely privately financed by President Trump and other donors, with no taxpayer funding required.
  • New tour bookings have been paused as White House, U.S. Secret Service, National Park Service and Executive Residence staff collaborate on a revised visitor route.
  • The 90,000 sq ft space will accommodate about 650 seated guests for official events and state dinners, replacing temporary tent setups.
  • A YouGov survey finds nearly half of Americans disapprove of the ballroom plan, reflecting a stark partisan split in support and opposition.